Mexico City, December 21 – The Mexico City government, led by Clara Brugada, has announced the creation of the “Alicia Matías Award.” This new accolade will distinguish heroic acts by citizens, serving as a tribute to Alicia Matías Teodoro, who tragically died saving her granddaughter during a gas tanker explosion in Iztapalapa.
The Heroic Act of Alicia Matías
The explosion, which occurred on September 10, 2025, at the Concordia Bridge in Iztapalapa, resulted in the deaths of 33 people. Among them was Alicia Matías Teodoro, 49, who has been dubbed the “heroic grandmother” for using her body to shield her two-year-old granddaughter, Jazlyn Azuleth, from the inferno. Matías, who worked as a combi checker near the bridge, had her granddaughter with her when the tanker overturned and subsequently exploded.
After two days in intensive care, Alicia Matías succumbed to her injuries on September 12, 2025. Her selfless act quickly became a symbol of bravery and protection in the face of extreme danger.
“Alicia Matías Award” to Recognize Citizen Heroism
Clara Brugada, the Head of Government of Mexico City, emphasized that the award bears Alicia Matías’s name to honor her intervention during the incident. “The recognition will be named Alicia Matías in memory of her actions in this accident,” Brugada stated.
Addressing the victims and their families, Brugada assured them that they are not alone and that the recovery process, though lengthy, will be supported by the government.
Financial Aid for Explosion Victims
In addition to establishing the award, Clara Brugada Molina announced a significant allocation of 480 million pesos for damages incurred by the victims of the Iztapalapa explosion. This funding is distributed as follows:
- 266 million pesos for families of the deceased.
- 136.5 million pesos for injured individuals.
- 27 million pesos for those who suffered other types of damages.
The government had previously provided two immediate payments of 40,000 pesos to each victim and their families to help with urgent needs, particularly when primary providers were hospitalized or in critical condition. Brugada reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the victims from the outset.
Investigation into the Explosion
Bertha Alcalde Luján, the Attorney General of Mexico City, provided details on the ongoing investigation into the explosion. The inquiry has involved 16 forensic specialties and the compilation of over 270 expert reports. The comprehensive analysis has covered various aspects, including the road, the vehicle, mechanical systems, surveillance footage, and the topography of the accident site. A CDMX surveillance camera captured the precise moment of the accident, aiding in the investigation.
The establishment of the “Alicia Matías Award” not only memorializes a profound act of heroism but also aims to inspire similar courage and civic responsibility within the community of Mexico City.
Source: https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2025/12/21/cdmx-crea-el-premio-alicia-matias-en-honor-a-la-abuelita-que-salvo-a-su-nieta-en-explosion-de-iztapalapa/
