At least 21 individuals lost their lives in a horrific road accident in central Mexico, as disclosed by local government official Samuel Aguilar Pala. The catastrophic event transpired on Wednesday morning on the highway connecting Cuacnopalan to Oaxaca in Puebla state. Reports indicate that 18 of the victims died at the scene, while three others succumbed to their injuries in nearby hospitals.
The collision involved a tanker truck, a bus, and a van. Local media outlet La Jornada reports that the chain of events began when a cement truck attempted to overtake a van. In the process, it encroached into oncoming traffic, crashing into a bus and colliding head-on with a transport van, ultimately tumbling into a nearby ravine and catching fire.
Eyewitness footage shared on social media revealed a large plume of dark smoke ascending from the ravine, alongside significant damage to the road's railing. It is important to note that this footage has yet to be verified independently.
Mexico has seen a series of severe road accidents in recent years, raising concerns about highway safety. Just earlier this year, a bus crash in Tabasco resulted in numerous fatalities, highlighting the ongoing need for better regulations and roadway safety measures within the country.
