The fatal three-vehicle collision occurred early Wednesday morning on the highway connecting Cuacnopalan and Oaxaca in Puebla state. According to local official Samuel Aguilar Pala, the tragic incident resulted in the immediate death of 18 individuals at the scene, while three others succumbed to their injuries in hospital care. Many more have been reported injured and are currently receiving medical assistance.
Initial reports indicate that the crash was triggered by a cement truck attempting to overtake a van. In the dangerous maneuver, the truck veered into oncoming traffic, colliding head-on with a bus before crashing into a transport van. The truck subsequently plummeted into a ravine, resulting in a devastating fire, as highlighted by local media outlet La Jornada.
Footage shared by a journalist on social media captured the scene, portraying thick plumes of smoke emerging from the ravine, along with extensive destruction to the highway railings. While the video remains unverified, the alarming nature of the incident has rekindled discussions surrounding road safety in Mexico, especially given the increasing frequency of severe accidents.
Earlier this year, the country witnessed another tragic event when dozens were killed in a bus crash in Tabasco. As grief settles over the affected families and communities, there is an urgent need for improved road safety measures to prevent further tragedies on Mexican highways.
Initial reports indicate that the crash was triggered by a cement truck attempting to overtake a van. In the dangerous maneuver, the truck veered into oncoming traffic, colliding head-on with a bus before crashing into a transport van. The truck subsequently plummeted into a ravine, resulting in a devastating fire, as highlighted by local media outlet La Jornada.
Footage shared by a journalist on social media captured the scene, portraying thick plumes of smoke emerging from the ravine, along with extensive destruction to the highway railings. While the video remains unverified, the alarming nature of the incident has rekindled discussions surrounding road safety in Mexico, especially given the increasing frequency of severe accidents.
Earlier this year, the country witnessed another tragic event when dozens were killed in a bus crash in Tabasco. As grief settles over the affected families and communities, there is an urgent need for improved road safety measures to prevent further tragedies on Mexican highways.
