A mother is demanding justice after her 12-year-old son died when a metro overpass collapsed in Mexico City.
Youngster Brandon Giovanni was traveling back home on the Metro Line with his stepfather when the tragedy happened.
At least 26 people died and dozens more were injured in the collapse, which happened on an elevated track early last week.
Brandon’s mom Marisol Tapia said she knew her son had a reason behind his trip into downtown – he wanted to get her a gift for Mother’s Day.
“Mamá, we’re headed to the Periférico station,” Brandon Giovanni told his mother when she called his cellphone, as per the LA Times. “I have a surprise for you!”
Marisol told her son dinner was ready and she was just going to the store to get something to drink to which her son said: “Mamá, buy me some cookies!”
It was the last time Marisol spoke to her 12-year-old son.
As the train approached the Olivos station, three metal girders supporting the elevated line gave way, causing the last two cars of the train to fall 15 feet below. At least one motorist was also killed in one of the deadliest incidents in decades on the Mexico City Metro.
The elevated track has a history of safety concerns with claims that safety warnings concerning the line, built in 2012, was ignored by officials, as per BBC News.
Hundreds gathered in the city on Friday to demand justice for those killed in last week’s tragedy. A vigil was also held at the site of the accident.
Brandon was the youngest of those killed. The 12-year-old loved soccer, dreamed of traveling around the world, and hoped to become a doctor, as per the LA Times.
“This was not an accident,” Brandon’s heartbroken mom said. “This was negligence on the part of the government.”
Marisol said all kinds of problems had been reported concerning the line and “the authorities did nothing.
“I want justice for my family, for all the families. I won’t rest from demanding justice until those responsible are in jail,” she added.
The boy’s stepfather, who hasn’t been told about Brandon’s death, remains in hospital with broken bones and other injuries.
The Metro’s general director Florencia Serranía Soto denies the accusations and has also rejected calls for her resignation.
The city has hired a Norwegian firm to investigate why the metal supports under the line failed.
The Mexico City Metro opened in 1969 and carries 4 million passengers every day.
My heart goes out to the families of all the victims of this terrible tragedy. I hope a proper investigation is carried out and justice is served.
Nothing can bring these loved ones back but knowing the full story surrounding this incident may help to offer some closure.
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