Devastating Road Accident in Mexico Claims 21 Lives

In a horrific crash on a highway in central Mexico, at least 21 individuals lost their lives. Local officials report the incident involved a tanker truck, a bus, and a van, with numerous others injured.

At least 21 people have tragically lost their lives in a catastrophic road accident in central Mexico, according to local government sources. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning along the highway connecting Cuacnopalan and Oaxaca in Puebla state. Samuel Aguilar Pala, a local government official, reported on X that 18 victims were pronounced dead at the crash site, while three more succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.

The details surrounding the accident indicate that a cement truck was attempting to overtake a van when it veered into the opposite lane, colliding violently with a bus. The bus was subsequently struck head-on by the transport van, leading to the cement truck tumbling into a ravine below and igniting in flames. Local media outlet La Jornada provides further clarification on the sequence of events leading to this disastrous outcome.

Footage shared by a local journalist on social media captured the aftermath, revealing a large plume of thick black smoke rising from the ravine, along with visible damage to the road’s railing. However, it is important to note that this video remains unverified by reputable news organizations like the BBC.

This tragic incident continues a worrying trend, as highways in Mexico have seen several severe accidents over the past few years. Notably, in February, a bus crash in Tabasco resulted in a significant loss of life, echoing the pressing issue of road safety across the nation.