**Prime Wheel Temporarily Closed Due to Safety Violations in Tijuana**
The Prime Wheel factories in Tijuana have been temporarily shut down following several safety and hygiene violations that came to light after a tragic incident resulted in the death of a worker. Eduardo Franco Ortiz, aged 31, lost his life when he became trapped in a machine at the company’s second plant. Authorities from various levels of government, including the state’s Labor Departments, the local Verification and Inspection Directorate, and Civil Protection, conducted a thorough operation early this week.
Following a five-hour inspection, Alejandro Arregui Ibarra, head of the state’s Labor and Social Welfare Department, stated that the move aims to ensure the safety of all 5,800 employees at the facility. “The suspension will remain in effect until the company addresses all observations from each participating entity in this coordinated operation,” he remarked. The State Civil Protection also imposed sanctions, though the specifics were not disclosed, and gave Prime Wheel 20 to 23 days to resolve the issues.
Prime Wheel has agreed to cooperate with authorities as they investigate the incident and has promised to review its safety protocols comprehensively. Meanwhile, operations will not resume until all safety requirements are met, but the company has guaranteed that employees will continue to receive their wages as the closure is a management responsibility. The municipal government pointed out that the company lacks some necessary local permits, which must be addressed to lift the suspension.
Authorities reported that investigatory efforts would continue for an additional ten hours following a press briefing. They are also providing support to Eduardo Franco Ortiz’s family for legal compensation. The family has demanded justice and transparency, challenging Prime Wheel’s classification of the incident as a workplace accident.
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**Additional News on Safety Violations in Tijuana**
In related local news, two workers died recently in a separate incident in Tijuana when marble and granite slabs fell on them at a material handling area. In another case, a fire engulfed a business dealing with water tanks, again raising safety concerns across the city.
Further investigations revealed a connection between a murder at an LGBTQI+ bar and two other homicides in the Zona Centro, according to the state’s Attorney General’s Office. The investigation highlights ongoing concerns over safety and regulatory compliance in various sectors within the region.
Tijuana begins this week with mild weather, with clearer skies expected by afternoon and a maximum temperature of 25°C. Residents are also encouraged to participate in an upcoming INE-organized consultation aimed at involving 215,415 minors under 18 years of age.
Families affected by these tragedies, including those of Eduardo Franco Ortiz, continue to voice their grievances, insisting on stricter measures and maintenance to prevent such incidents in the future. The overall climate echoes a pressing need for better industrial safety standards across Tijuana.