Armed Attack in Comas: A Tragic Incident
A armed attack in Comas, Lima, during the early hours of Saturday, May 9, resulted in the tragic death of one construction worker and left two others injured. The attack took place at the intersection of Carabayllo and Guillermo de la Fuente avenues, where workers were engaged in surface preparations for paving as part of a project administered by the Metropolitan Investment Fund (INVERMET).
The Attack
Around 12:30 AM, witnesses reported that two individuals on a motorcycle approached the workers. The victims were taking a brief break, sitting at the roadside when the attackers opened fire, discharging at least five rounds before fleeing the scene. The brazen nature of this attack raises significant concerns regarding safety in the construction sector.
Victims
The workers involved were employed by a concession company working under INVERMET. One of the victims, identified as Manuel Anco Reyes, succumbed to his injuries after being transported to the Sergio Bernales Hospital in Collique. A second victim, Carlos Castillo Casaverde, is currently hospitalized with a reserved prognosis at the Jesús del Norte clinic.
Official Response
In the aftermath of this incident, the Municipality of Lima issued a statement expressing condolences to the family and colleagues of the deceased worker and wishing a quick recovery to the injured. They acknowledged the rising threat of crime in the area and the broader implications for worker safety, especially in the construction industry.
Mayor Renzo Reggiardo has ordered the Lima Metropolitan Guard to bolster security measures across construction sites. INVERMET is also engaged in coordinating with law enforcement to enhance protection for construction workers and to facilitate the ongoing investigation.
Ongoing Investigation
While the motive behind the attack has yet to be conclusively determined, police are exploring potential links to extortion. Authorities are reviewing security footage from nearby cameras to identify the perpetrators. The attack is a stark reminder of the over fifty homicides reported in Lima this year, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among construction workers, who are calling for enhanced safety measures.
Community Resources and Support
In response to escalating violence, the National Police of Peru (PNP) have established 24-hour emergency channels for citizens to report criminal activities or seek assistance. Individuals can contact number 105 for police intervention when facing security crises. Additionally, the Emergency Medical Care Service (SAMU) provides specialized pre-hospital care, accessible by dialing 106 for urgent medical help. For public safety issues, the General Corps of Volunteer Firefighters of Peru can be reached at 116, ensuring rapid response to emergencies related to fires or rescues.
Conclusion
This tragic incident in Comas underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures in vulnerable sectors. The community, authorities, and organizations must work collaboratively to ensure the protection of workers and to address the pervasive threat of violence. Enhanced security, community vigilance, and effective law enforcement will be critical in restoring a sense of safety and normalcy to the region.