Mexican commission says 16 officials negligent in fire at day care center that killed 49 kids

Mexico: Gov’t officials negligent in day-care fire

MEXICO CITY — A Mexican Supreme Court commission says 16 local, state and federal officials failed to ensure the safety of a day care center where a fire killed 49 children last year.

Among the officials cited is Juan Molinar, who was director of the federal Social Security Institute that oversees day care centers and is now Mexico’s transportation and communications secretary. The report also names former Sonora state Gov. Eduardo Bours.

The commission’s report Monday says it found no evidence that officials ensured the day care center in the Sonora state capital of Hermosillo followed safety precautions.

The full Supreme Court can make recommendations based on the report but it cannot order the government to take any specific action.