Mexico: 21 dead, others injured in fatal auto crash

Report says a fatal road accident on Wednesday, May 14 , 2025, has claimed at least 21 lives on a highway between Mexico’s Oaxaca and Puebla states.

The collision which involved three vehicles occurred on a mountainous stretch of road, authorities confirmed late Wednesday.

Puebla’s Interior Minister Samuel Aguilar confirmed the death toll through a post on his official X, formerly Twitter.

Several others sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment in nearby hospitals, officials said.

The deadly crash happened on a busy highway known for sharp turns and limited visibility.

According to reports, a cement truck tried to overtake another vehicle before crossing into the oncoming lane.

The truck collided with a passenger bus and then smashed into a transport van, witnesses told authorities.

Local newspaper La Jornada reported that the truck plunged into a ravine after the collision.

The truck burst into flames immediately after the fall, killing the driver and other occupants on impact.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene to extinguish the fire and recover the victims’ remains.

Graphic images shared online showed charred wreckage and rescue workers retrieving bodies from the ravine.

Officials have not released the identities of the victims pending family notification.

Preliminary investigations suggest reckless driving and poor road conditions as contributing factors.

Witnesses described the crash as “devastating” and said rescue efforts took several hours to complete.

Authorities closed the highway temporarily to allow emergency operations and clear debris.

Traffic has since resumed, although investigations into the crash are ongoing.

Federal and local authorities pledged to conduct a thorough review of the highway’s safety measures.

This is the latest in a series of deadly road accidents in Mexico’s remote southern regions.

In March, 11 people died when a bus flipped over in Oaxaca under similar conditions.

In 2023, a bus carrying migrants crashed into a ravine in southern Mexico, killing at least 29.

Experts warn that steep, poorly maintained roads in mountainous areas pose serious risks to drivers and passengers.

Transport safety advocates are calling for stricter regulations on commercial vehicle operations in rural regions.

They also demand improved infrastructure and more rigorous vehicle inspections to prevent future tragedies.

Puebla officials have promised support for the victims’ families, including funeral assistance and counseling.

The governor of Oaxaca has expressed condolences and urged federal agencies to step up road safety enforcement.

Mexico’s Ministry of Transportation has not yet issued an official statement on Wednesday’s incident.

Survivors remain hospitalized, with several reported in critical condition as of Thursday morning.

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