Cancún, Quintana Roo — Residents blocked Avenida Politécnico on Tuesday evening to protest the impending opening of a forensic medical service facility (SEMEFO) in their neighborhood, Región 510.
Using branches, sticks, and rocks placed at the intersection with Avenida México, demonstrators demanded the presence of Governor Mara Lezama and representatives of the State Prosecutor’s Office to commit to canceling the facility.
“They told us it was going to be a vehicle verification center,” said Edith Domínguez, a local resident. “At the beginning of July, we found out it was actually a morgue.” She said residents had allowed construction to continue based on the initial information.
Domínguez expressed concern about health risks from decomposing bodies: “Imagine them handling dead bodies there. We don’t know if they’ll put a roof on it, but in the heat or if the electricity fails, the stench and health effects… People won’t want to live here anymore. Who wants to live next to a morgue?”
Another resident, who declined to give his name, said the worst-affected will be those living on calles 42, 44, and 46. He accused officials of deceiving residents about special installations to prevent nuisances, and warned the facility would force nearby businesses to close.
Residents demanded a public consultation to decide the fate of the SEMEFO. As of 9:30 p.m., the blockade remained in place.
Municipal government and State Prosecutor’s Office representatives arrived at the scene and began dialogue with protesters. Municipal police and traffic officers were also present to secure the area and prevent accidents involving demonstrators.
