Eight individuals lost their lives in a tragic bus collision in Mexico, which also resulted in 19 people sustaining injuries. The incident occurred around 5pm local time yesterday when the bus careened over a 600-foot embankment on a winding road in Zontecomatlan, Veracruz. Images from the scene depicted the overturned bus in the municipality.
The bus was carrying a full load of passengers, many of whom were reportedly returning home for the Christmas holiday. Among the casualties were both adults and children. Following the crash, authorities initiated a rescue operation at the site, confirming multiple fatalities.
State officials released a statement overnight, stating, “The state government is leading the response to a bus accident that took place in a ravine in Zontecomatlan. Currently, 19 injured individuals are receiving treatment and have been transported to Chicontepec and Huayacocotla. Regrettably, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has verified eight deaths. Rescue and assistance efforts are ongoing at the location in collaboration with the responding teams.”
The bus had departed from Mexico City and was en route to Chicontepec in Veracruz’s Huasteca region, known for its lush landscapes. The circumstances that led to the bus veering off the road and the status of the driver, identified as Carlos Daniel Baez locally, remain unclear.
This incident follows a tragic crash in Colombia earlier this month, where sixteen students lost their lives during a school graduation trip. The students’ bus plunged 250 feet down a steep embankment, resulting in the driver’s fatality as well.
The school, Liceo Antioqueno in Bello near Medellin, paid tribute to the deceased students, expressing profound sorrow and gratitude for their time at the institution. The school shared a heartfelt message honoring the students’ memory and the lasting impact they had during their time at the school.
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