PAN denounces AMLO's son for derailments of the Interoceanic Train; accuses him of being the only supervisor of the work

A group of lawmakers and members of the National Executive Committee (CEN) of the Party of the National Action (PAN) have formally accused Gonzalo "Bobby" López Beltrán, the son of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, of negligence related to two derailments of the Transoceanic Train. The accusation was filed with the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) and alleges that López Beltrán served as the sole and primary supervisor overseeing the project's construction. The Transoceanic Train, a high-speed rail line designed to connect Mexico City with Acapulco, has experienced two major derailments since its operation began. The first occurred on December 28, 2025, near Oaxaca, resulting in 14 fatalities and 109 injured individuals. The second incident took place on July 14, 2026, though it did not result in any casualties. Both incidents have raised serious concerns over the safety and oversight of the project. In their formal complaint, the PAN representatives emphasized that neither the contractors nor the honorary supervisor, Bobby López Beltrán, were held accountable for the first derailment. They pointed out that during public statements, President Claudia Sheinbaum, who serves as the Secretary of Energy and Sustainable Development, claimed that López Beltrán had no responsibility and attempted to downplay the severity of the incident. This stance has fueled further scrutiny into the project’s management and accountability structures. Federico Döring Casar, a PAN congressman, expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and accountability. He stated that during official press briefings, officials often refer to the incidents as mere accidents, while underlying issues such as corruption in contracts under the administration of the fourth government remain unaddressed. According to him, these problems continue to persist and contribute to ongoing safety risks. The PAN delegation has called upon the Attorney General’s Office to conduct a thorough investigation beyond just prosecuting the train operators for excessive speed. They argue that the focus should extend to the rehabilitation work and the design of the tracks themselves. This includes examining whether the infrastructure met necessary safety standards and whether proper protocols were followed throughout the construction phase. The Mexican Navy, which oversees the operation and maintenance of the Transoceanic Train, has been named as another party in the legal action. The complaint asserts that the agency bears responsibility for managing and controlling the transportation system. The involvement of the Navy highlights the complex interplay between different governmental bodies in the oversight of large-scale infrastructure projects. The allegations against Gonzalo López Beltrán have sparked broader discussions about the role of political figures in major national projects. Critics argue that the close ties between the Lopez Obrador family and key aspects of the Transoceanic Train raise questions about potential conflicts of interest and the adequacy of independent oversight mechanisms. These concerns underscore the need for greater transparency and accountability in the execution of such ambitious initiatives.