**Tragic Work Incident at Prime Wheel: Family Demands Justice**
The family of Eduardo Ortiz Franco, a worker from Pachuca, Hidalgo, is seeking justice after his tragic death at Prime Wheel, where he was fatally pinned by malfunctioning machinery. Eduardo had confided to his family about the immense pressure from his managers to maintain operations despite recurring machine failures.
Teresa Franco, his mother, spoke out about her son’s challenges, describing how Eduardo often faced issues with the machine’s conveyor belt, which he was frequently responsible for fixing. “He felt so pressured because the machine was constantly breaking down,” Teresa explained. Sadly, during an attempt to adjust the machine, Eduardo was trapped from waist to head, leading to his untimely death.
The family is calling for compensation, particularly for Eduardo’s young child, as they rally for justice outside the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE). Teresa, visibly upset, urged for better safety standards, stating that if the company cannot protect its workers, it should be closed. She also criticized foreign-owned companies for failing to ensure safe working conditions for their Mexican employees.
Local authorities have taken action by shutting down the Tijuana facility for significant safety and hygiene violations. This closure follows a large-scale investigation into the company’s operational practices. Many have echoed Teresa’s concerns, raising questions about labor safety and foreign company operations in Mexico.
**Industry Reaction to Safety Concerns**
In the wake of this tragedy, there is heightened scrutiny over workplace safety in Tijuana’s industrial sector. Officials are preparing comprehensive inspections to ensure compliance with labor safety norms. Industry leaders are planning introductory talks to reinforce safety protocols among workers and management.
The recent incident at Prime Wheel has drawn attention to broader safety concerns in the region’s maquiladoras. As efforts to address these issues progress, many hope for tighter regulations and more rigorous enforcement to prevent future incidents.
(Returning to the broader sense of the region, local developments include heightened vigilance following the discovery of remains by the collective Todos Somos Erick Carrillo, and ongoing protests by educational workers due to delayed payments in the Sistema Educativo.)