On June 22, 2026, a tragic explosion in Geovillas del Sur claimed the lives of two brothers, Francisco Isidro Ríos Juárez and Edmundo Ríos Juárez, while they were performing a service for Global Gas. More than a week later, their widows say the company has abandoned them, leaving seven orphaned children and two families to face the emotional and financial aftermath on their own.

Gabriela Guadalupe Benito Rocha, widow of Francisco Isidro, shared that despite public statements from Global Gas promising support, no one from the company has reached out to offer economic, psychological, or legal assistance. The only response the families have received was being directed to the Junta de Conciliación y Arbitraje to process their late husbands’ severance.

The widows believe Global Gas is trying to evade responsibility, even though the brothers were actively working when the accident happened. Beyond the grief, the families have had to cover expenses that should have been the company’s responsibility. Funeral costs were partially covered by union support, but purchasing burial plots cost nearly 40,000 pesos out of pocket.

The situation is especially difficult because the seven orphaned children now depend solely on their mothers. Among them is a child with autism, Klinefelter syndrome, and a heart condition requiring ongoing medical care, therapies, and specialized medication.

Gabriela recalled that her husband had been with Global Gas for years and left home that day expecting to complete a quick job. Instead, it was the last time she saw him alive. The explosion occurred while the brothers were refilling a gas tank at a residence in Geovillas del Sur. Both suffered severe burns and died days later in the hospital. The homeowner, Rosalba, also died, bringing the death toll to three.

Although Global Gas announced it had activated emergency protocols and would support the affected families, the widows say these promises remain unfulfilled. As of July 2, 2026, they and their children continue to face grief, expenses, and uncertainty about their future without any company assistance.

This situation highlights the urgent need for companies to take responsibility for worker safety and support families when tragedy strikes—especially in sectors where risks are high and social protections are often lacking.