Veracruz Clashes over Water Contamination Leave Two Dead

Two people were killed in Veracruz during clashes between locals protesting against water contamination by a pork processing plant and state security forces. The incident led to an investigation by the Veracruz state prosecutor's office and allegations of police brutality.

Two individuals lost their lives on Thursday in the Mexican gulf coast state of Veracruz during a confrontation between locals and police over alleged water contamination by a pork processing plant.

The residents of San Antonio Limon had blocked a road, demanding government action against the plant, which they accused of polluting the aquifer and excessively using water. State security forces arrived, and protesters claimed police initiated violence and opened fire.

Brothers Alberto and Jorge Cortina Vázquez, 22 and 27, were fatally shot, according to the Veracruz state prosecutor's office. The office has initiated an investigation into the incident. A third brother asserted that the deceased were not involved in the roadblock and were merely bystanders. The Veracruz state interior agency mentioned that protesters had held two police officers hostage and refused dialogue, exacerbating the situation.