Mexico investigating migrant fire deaths as suspected homicide
- Migrants were locked in a cell as a blaze spread, killing 39 at a detention centre in Mexico
- Mexican prosecutors identify eight people, including federal agents, who may be responsible
Authorities faced mounting scrutiny of their handling of the disaster after video surveillance footage appeared to show guards leaving as flames engulfed a cell with migrants locked inside.
An investigation was opened “for the crime of homicide and damage to property,” though other possible crimes would also be considered, said Sara Irene Herrerias, a prosecutor specialising in human rights.
“None of the public servants or the private security personnel took any action to open the door for the migrants who were inside,” she told reporters.
Eight people had been identified as allegedly responsible for the failure following the fire that began late Monday, Security Minister Rosa Icela Rodriguez said at the same news conference.
Those include two federal agents and a state immigration official, as well as five members of a private security company.