“We were forgotten”: testimonies of relatives and survivors of the fire in Villa El Salvador

January 23, 2020 one of the worst tragedies in our country occurred when dozens of residents Villa del Mar Avenue were victims of a gas explosion in the Villa El Salvador (VEC) area of ​​Lima. Total registered 34 people died D eleven survivors with severe burns.

On a day like today, at exactly 6:57 a.m., a tank truck from Transgaz LG EIRLheld Luis Guzmancrashed into a bump at the intersection of Pastor Sevilla and Villa del Mar avenues, an incident that caused tragedy at this point in the city.

Driver stopped and walked to the rear of the unit to test the leak to no avail 2500 liters liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) coming out of the vehicle. The angle of descent allowed gas dissipates on Villa del Mar Avenue and enter the nearest houses.

While gas scattered over the area, Driver He struggled to start his car. Don’t listen to the screams neighborssubject managed to start the engine without realizing that little spark which in a matter of seconds did Fire will reach Gasoline tanker and to areas where CIS.

Although three years have passed since that tragedy, grieving and victimsreportedly not received yet compensation state. RPP News spoke this Monday to three of the VES deflagration survivors.

“There is no justice”

White balloons and photo billboards 34 dead were posted today on the avenue sea ​​villathree years after deflagration in Villa el Salvador (WEC). Rolando Tipismana (65) also hung in his daughter-in-law’s house photographs of his three relatives died and several yellow flowers in their honor.

It is not easy to remember what happened that day, but not Rolando thanks to God because that day fire flamewho exceeded two meters in height were not included in their property. Elderly she survived, her daughter-in-law and granddaughters aged 8 and 10 were saved from death.

“I open the door to escape and find more than two meters of candles illuminating me. The impact forced us to retreat again. I was left with the door half open, thank you that the candle didn’t follow us,” he said. News RPP.

But he met a different fate. brother-in-lawwho was found dead next to an exploding tanker truck.

“My brother-in-law burned down near the truck. Many people thought it was a truck driver,” he recalled sadly. Don Rolando.

To illustrate the rejection of the state, Elderly noted that, despite the fact that since tragedythe home of Alicia Waman, her sister-in-law, was put out of action because it could not be rebuilt due to “bureaucratic issues”.

“We already have permission Municipality of Villa Salvador for the demolition and construction of this house, but in the Ministry of Housing we are told that there is no budget,” he criticized.

A) Yes, typisman urged the current Government monitor the mourners and implement the proposals voiced by the then leadership.

“What are they going through that they stop so much demagoguery and comply with the established. To ease our pain, they told us different things. There is no justice, because if there was, then at least one guilty person would be detained,” he commented.

“The pandemic came and they forgot about us”

One of the most shocking cases is Alejandro Pachas. As a result of the fire, the man lost his wife and 9-year-old son. Alexander he was left with his childwho was then nine months old. minor he also suffered burns during deflagration and is still in need of treatment.

“My son, who was 9 months old at the time and will soon be 4 years old, was hit by a fire. He continues the treatment, we are watching the treatment at home, because they no longer see the problem of support,” he said.

pachas remember with great regret how many subjects promised them help, the very one that was never reflected due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the then government Martin Vizcarra to declare a quarantine and a state of emergency, to make any attempt at support is difficult.

“The pandemic came and they forgot about us,” he lamented.

“Not a single family has received compensation, we are waiting, because among the victims there are children who go to school and need supplies; So is my son, who is due to start school this year,” he added.

Although some of his relatives support him in raising his son, Alejandro feels almost forgotten because “the companies involved and responsible have not compensated anyone.”

In this line pachas appealed to the judiciary with a request to expedite the trial and, thus, grieving D affected to have “the quality of life, not the life we ​​lead”.

Although son Alexander receive therapy at home minor requires Psychological attention lost his mother and brother under tragic circumstances. For any support Mr Pachasyou can contact 967 824 171.

“It’s hard to remember what happened”

If the rest affected who lives in this area feels forgotten, Grimaldo Flores Munoz He describes himself as an “outcast”. He did not even live at the site of the tragedy. On that day, a man who made his living by motorcycle taxi drivertraveled to this place and was badly burned after deflagration.

“I was a passer-by who drove by in his motorcycle taxi, and I caught fire. Remembering all this, it makes me sad, it’s not easy for me when I remember this every time the year ends,” he said. News RPP.

AND Flores Munozwhose eyesight has been affected, the wounds left by the burns can still be seen. Currently, you should use up to three types of creams to moisturize your face, hands, and the rest of your body that has been damaged. It doesn’t matter if it’s winter or summer Grimaldo You must use sunscreen to protect your skin.

Maribel Floreshis sister commented on it though Grimaldo was included in the list of victims, his relative was considered a “lightweight” victim, despite the fact that he was hospitalized in Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Seeing that the description did not match his brother’s situation, Maribel took advantage of one of the visits of the then Minister of Defense, Walter Martos, claim typing. As he commented, former head of Mindef agreed with him and asked the responsible persons to change the situation Grimaldo.

“Because he was a passer-by, he was never considered one of those who lost their home, so he feels marginalized,” the woman laments.

motorcycle taxi driver’s sisterother victims and relatives of the victims after tragedy in the EU They are demanding compensation from the authorities to cover medical expenses, as well as a faster legal process.