Growing Fears in Tabasco
Families residing near the Olmeca refinery in Paraíso, Tabasco, are expressing profound anxiety following a fatal fire that erupted on the facility's perimeter this past Tuesday. The incident, which claimed five lives, has intensified long-standing concerns among locals who characterize their living situation as residing on a "ticking time bomb.”
In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, two local educational institutions—the Agustín Melgar kindergarten and the Abías Domínguez Alejandro primary school—suspended classes. Parents and residents report a lingering, pungent smell of sulfur, fueling fears that another incident could occur at any moment. For many, the lack of communication from authorities has only exacerbated the sense of vulnerability.
A Lack of Contingency Planning
Leticia Díaz, a municipal delegate for the Petrolera neighborhood, stated that residents have received no information regarding risk assessments or emergency evacuation procedures. According to Díaz, neither local, state, nor federal authorities—nor Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex)—have provided the community with a clear plan for how to respond in the event of a major industrial disaster.
“There is no contingency plan, nothing,” Díaz stated. She noted that while Civil Protection services are present in the municipality, the refinery itself has failed to engage with the community, leaving residents feeling abandoned and uninformed about the risks associated with the massive industrial project.
The Fight for School Relocation
For parents like Cindy Barjau Mendoza, the primary concern is the safety of their children. Barjau Mendoza has been a vocal advocate for moving the schools entirely, arguing that the current proximity to the facility is untenable. She noted that during a meeting with refinery officials on February 27, representatives insisted that the facility was secure and that all risks had been anticipated. However, the recent fire—which officials attributed to a combination of heavy rainfall and a short circuit—has shattered that confidence.
“They claim they have everything under control, but a human error, a natural disaster, or a mechanical failure proves that they do not have absolute control,” Barjau Mendoza said. She emphasized that parents will not accept simple transfers to other schools, as they demand the relocation of the entire school body to ensure educational quality and continuity is maintained.
Official Investigation Underway
Armando Pulido Pardo, coordinator of the State Institute of Civil Protection of Tabasco, provided details on the cause of the fire, attributing it to an accumulation of hydrocarbons caused by extreme rainfall—recorded at 322 millimeters—which then ignited due to a short circuit.
While the refinery has continued operations without a full shutdown, the incident remains under investigation by the Attorney General's Office (FGE) and Pemex, in coordination with the Navy and the National Guard. Despite these investigative efforts, the community remains skeptical, citing a total lack of social support programs or risk transparency since the refinery’s inception. As investigations continue, the residents of Paraíso remain firm in their demand for a safer environment and a concrete plan to ensure their protection.
