A passenger bus collided with a corn-laden tractor-trailer in central Mexico, resulting in at least 19 fatalities. The accident took place in Zacatecas when the bus, en route to Ciudad Juárez, crashed into the back of the trailer, which had become detached from its tractor.
Initial reports by Zacatecas Governor David Monreal suggested 24 deaths, but the state attorney general’s office revised this figure later in the day. The office confirmed they are actively pursuing the driver of the tractor-trailer for questioning and potential charges.
The scene of the accident was chaotic as emergency services, along with military personnel, worked through the morning to secure the area and assist in the grim task of body recovery. Some victims were found in a nearby ravine, complicating rescue efforts.
Local authorities, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated to Reuters that operations to retrieve all the victims were still underway as of Saturday morning.
This tragic event underscores the ongoing road safety concerns in the region. Authorities are expected to release more details as the investigation progresses, focusing on the cause of the trailer detachment and the conditions leading up to the collision.
Key Points:
- Location: The incident occurred in Zacatecas, central Mexico.
- Event: A passenger bus collided with a detached corn-laden trailer, leading to at least 19 deaths. The bus was traveling towards Ciudad Juárez from Zacatecas.
- Casualty Figures: Initially, 24 deaths were reported by Zacatecas Governor David Monreal, later revised to at least 19 by the state attorney general’s office.
- Investigation: Authorities are pursuing the driver of the tractor-trailer for legal action, focusing on understanding how the trailer became detached.
- Response Efforts: Emergency services, including military personnel, were involved in securing the area and retrieving bodies, some of which were in a ravine.
- Ongoing Operations: Recovery of victims was still in progress by Saturday morning, highlighting the severity and complexity of the accident scene.
- Implications: This event raises concerns about road safety in Mexico, with an expected focus on the investigation to prevent future occurrences.
