Mayan Train Derailment Fuels Corruption Allegations

The Mayan Train continues to cause controversy, now with the news of its derailment during its journey to Cancun, specifically upon reaching the station in Tixkokob, Yucatan, according to reports from El Diario de Yucatán. The incident, occurred on March 25, has raised logistical and safety concerns, and brought corruption allegations surrounding the project into the spotlight.

Initial information indicates that the incident caused no injuries and that the affected carriage did not sustain significant damage. It is also reported that authorities are already on-site, assessing the situation and working to return the train to the tracks to resume its journey to Quintana Roo.

The Mayan Train operator company addressed the incident and stated that the fourth car of train D006 experienced a disruption in flow on the track at Tixkokob station, Yucatan, without recording any human or material damage. The incident occurred at 9:30 AM, when, to enter Tixkokob station, the first 3 cars of train D006 passed through a switch at an approximate speed of 10 km/h, causing the fourth car to derail. Passengers were evacuated to provide them with transfer assistance so they could continue their journey to Cancun. This incident did not affect the scheduled operation of the other trains.

The company added that an Assessing Commission has been formed and is already conducting a thorough investigation into the incident to determine its causes and prevent any similar situations that could compromise the service of the Mayan Train.

Xóchitl Gálvez Files A Complaint Against Corruption in the Mayan Train

This incident comes at a time when corruption accusations surrounding the Mayan Train are increasing, as opposition presidential candidate Xóchitl Gálvez informed during her morning press conference "Sin Miedo a la Verdad," that her team filed a complaint before the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office regarding the case of contract allocation for the purchase of ballast in the construction of the Mayan Train.

Gálvez has highlighted a significant increase in project costs, soaring from US$7.1 billion to over US$29.8 billion, demanding an explanation. She has called for an investigation into individuals close to President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, including his sons, friends, and nephews, for their alleged involvement in corrupt activities associated with the Mayan Train. She indicated that the cancellation of the Mayan Train will not be requested due to its corruption-related cases, but the complaint implies an investigation into Andrés Manuel López Beltrán, Gonzalo Alfonso López Beltrán, Pedro Salazar Beltán, Osterlen Salazar Beltrán, and Amílcar Olán Aparicio. She also highlighted that there is a key member in the investigation, Daniel Azaf, Chief of the President's Aides, who is part of the network of fixers facilitating meetings, contacts, and contracts.

Gálvez states that her allegations are supported by journalistic investigations, such as the one conducted by Latinus, which point to contracts being awarded to hastily formed companies and payments made with markups of up to 70%. These reports detail how contracts were awarded to improvised suppliers, contributing to the exorbitant costs of public works.

Latinus Investigation on the Mayan Train

Latinus report highlights the alleged role of Gonzalo López Beltrán, son of President López Obrador, in a network of businesses and influence peddling related to the Mayan Train. In recordings revealed by Latinus, López Beltrán is mentioned as overseeing sections of the train and operating a million-dollar business related to supplying ballast for the train tracks.

In a recorded call, individuals identified as Pedro Salazar Beltrán and Amílcar Olán discuss the possibility of the Mayan Train derailing due to the alleged use of uncertified materials in its construction. 

Contempt of Yucatan’s Court Order

These events compound the controversy surrounding the disregard of the court order of Feb. 29 by Yucatan judge, Adrián Novelo, who issued an order to suspend construction activities on Section 5 South of the Mayan Train citing environmental concerns. 

"It is reiterated to the responsible authorities that, to date, they have not provided evidence that the aforementioned conditions have been addressed. Therefore, construction and conditioning works on Section 5 South of the Mayan Train public project remain suspended, as covering, filling, or obstructing cenotes, caverns, streams, and rivers is not allowed,” Novelo stated, La Jornada reported. "There is no evidence in the records that these conditions have been fully complied with, which is why the collegiate tribunal decreed the definitive suspension of construction works on the Section 5 South until compliance is proven to this judge, following a pronouncement by the environmental authority in that regard."

Novelo gave a deadline of three days for the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) to provide a report justifying whether the required conditions have been met; otherwise, they would be subject to corresponding sanctions. However, works in the Section 5 South continue and there have not been reports of any type of sanctions.