Temporary closure of the vehicle inspection center in Antioquia will be carried out while the investigation continues into failures detected after the accident.
The Superintendency of Transportation ordered the immediate suspension for six months of an Automotive Diagnostic Center (CDA) in Antioquia, after opening an administrative investigation related to the traffic accident that occurred on December 14 on the road that connects the municipalities of Remedios and Zaragoza, in the northeast of the department.
The accident left 17 people dead and 20 injured, becoming one of the most serious road incidents recently recorded in the country.
The sanctioned center corresponds to the company Comercializadora Servisuper Ltda., whose authorization was suspended preventively while the investigations progress. The decision came after identifying alleged irregularities in the technical-mechanical review of the bus involved in the accident. According to official information, the measure seeks to avoid the continuity of service of this CDA, which would be operating without complying with the required procedures.
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Technomechanics
The Superintendency of Transportation reported that, as part of the investigation, a statement of charges was formulated against the CDA for possible failures in the inspection process.
The verifications indicate that the vehicle would have been approved irregularly during the technical-mechanical and polluting emissions inspection. In addition, reports were detected that did not coincide with the real conditions of the vehicle.
According to preliminary findings, the information sent to the Single National Transit Registry, RUNT, would present inconsistencies. These alleged alterations would have allowed the vehicle to circulate despite not meeting the required safety requirements.
The Supertransport investigation seeks to establish administrative responsibilities for these actions.
During the analysis of technical evidence and audiovisual records of the control system, several deficiencies in the inspection were identified. Among them are failures in the sensory review, in the measurement of the tread of the tires and in the general verification of the condition of the vehicle.
The absence of exterior inspection was also reported, which includes lights, tires and bodywork, as well as the lack of control over internal conditions such as seats, seat belts and emergency exits.
What will happen to the CDA?
As a result of the ongoing investigation, the Superintendency ordered the total suspension of the CDA service for a period of six months. The measure implies the immediate disconnection of the RUNT and the impossibility of issuing technical-mechanical inspection and polluting emissions certificates. During this time, the center will not be able to serve users or carry out any type of vehicle inspection.
The Superintendency of Transportation also ordered that the decision be publicly informed at the CDA facilities. This obligation seeks to guarantee that users are aware of the suspension and the administrative reasons that motivate it. The investigation will continue while the evidence collected is evaluated and the procedures established by law are carried out.
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The Traffic and Transportation Investigations Directorate will continue with the corresponding administrative process. The authorities do not rule out new decisions being adopted as the process progresses and additional responsibilities are determined. The charges made are related to the possible alteration of results, the irregular reporting of information and the putting at risk of the lives of users and third parties.
In parallel to this case, the Ministry of Transportation recalled the launch of the strategy called “Route for Life.” This plan seeks to reinforce prevention, control and compliance actions with traffic regulations, with emphasis on the technical-mechanical review and safety conditions of vehicles. The initiative is part of official efforts to reduce road accidents in the country.
Source: Integrated Information System
