A devastating multi-vehicle accident occurred on Wednesday morning on the highway between Cuacnopalan and Oaxaca in Puebla state, Mexico, resulting in at least 21 fatalities. According to local official Samuel Aguilar Pala, 18 people died at the scene, while three others succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. Several others were injured and are receiving medical attention.
Details of the Crash
The accident involved three vehicles: a cement truck, a bus, and a van. The cement truck attempted to overtake a van, crossing into the opposite lane and hitting the bus before colliding head-on with the transport van. The truck then plummeted into a ravine and burst into flames, as reported by Mexican newspaper La Jornada. A video shared by a local journalist on social media shows a massive cloud of dark smoke rising from the ravine, with a long portion of the road railing torn away.
Response and Investigation
Puebla Interior Minister Samuel Aguilar confirmed the incident, stating that an unspecified number of people were being treated for injuries. Local authorities are investigating the cause of the crash. Emergency services rushed to the scene, transporting multiple injured victims to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Recent Accidents in Mexico
This tragic incident follows a pattern of deadly accidents on Mexico’s remote, winding roads. Some recent incidents include:
- March 2025: 11 people lost their lives when a bus overturned in Oaxaca.
- 2023: 29 individuals perished when a bus fell into a ravine in the southern region.
- February 2025: Dozens of people died in a bus crash in Tabasco state.
These incidents highlight the need for improved road safety measures in Mexico. The country has seen a surge in deadly highway accidents, often blamed on vehicle neglect, reckless driving, and exhaustion. Freight trucks are frequently involved, fueling demands for tighter safety rules.
Road Safety Concerns
The severity of these accidents has raised concerns about road safety in Mexico. Authorities have urged drivers to exercise extreme caution, particularly on the country’s often treacherous rural highways. Investigations into Wednesday’s crash are ongoing, with officials working to determine the cause and identify those responsible.