Deadly bus crashes in Durango and Oaxaca kill 33, injure dozens

At least 19 people were killed when a bus flipped over in the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico on Monday morning, just a few hours after an accident involving a bus and a tractor-trailer in northern Mexico resulted in the death of 14 passengers.

Mexican media reported that the victims in Oaxaca were supporters of the Morena party who were returning from President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Sunday rally in Mexico City.

The bus traveling through Oaxaca was carrying more than 40 people when it crashed into a ravine.
The bus traveling through Oaxaca was carrying more than 40 people when it crashed into a ravine near the town of Santo Domingo Narro. (Estación Foto/Cuartoscuro)

Authorities were still investigating the cause of the accident, which occurred just outside the small town of Santo Domingo Narro, the Oaxaca government said in a statement.

Oaxaca Governor Salomon Jara expressed regret for the accident in a social media message posted on Monday:

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families, to whom we will provide the necessary support and assistance during this difficult time,” he said, adding that “Our government personnel continue to work and provide support to those injured.”

State Interior Minister Jesús Romero said the bus was carrying more than 40 people — including young children — and was en route from Mexico City to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in the southern part of the state.

The newspaper El Universal reported that the bus had been rented by the United Front of Oaxaca Communities, an organization established by ruling Morena party Senator Antonino Morales, who shared his thoughts in a social media post:

“To the families and loved ones of those who have tragically passed away, we express our deepest condolences. Our deepest sorrow and solidarity are with you at this time. We assure you that you are not alone. We are working hand in hand with the relevant authorities and institutions to provide you with the care you require.”

A two-day shopping excursion from Durango to McAllen, Texas, ended in tragedy Monday night when the bus hit a tractor-trailer head-on near Velardeña, Durango.
A two-day shopping excursion from Durango to McAllen, Texas, ended in tragedy Sunday night when the bus hit a tractor-trailer head-on near Velardeña, Durango. (@AlTiempoDgo/X)

Up north in the state of Durango, 14 people died after a tour bus crashed with a tractor-trailer and quickly caught fire near the town of Velardeña before dawn on Monday. Ten passengers managed to exit the bus but the intensity of the blaze prevented them from rescuing those still trapped inside.

The 10 survivors were transported to a hospital in the nearby town of Cuencamé, nine of them treated for minor injuries.

The bus — operated by Aser Tours of Durango city — was part of a round trip, two-day shopping excursion from Durango to McAllen, Texas. The bus had left McAllen for the return trip on Sunday night and was two hours northeast of Durango city when the accident occurred.

Aser Tours released a statement on its Instagram page saying it will offer support to victims. The bus company also claimed that the operator of the tractor-trailer was at fault in the crash.

Durango state authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident.

With reports from La Jornada, El Universal, Expansión and KRGV-TV

2 COMMENTS

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
Isaac del Toro Tour of Germany

Isaac del Toro wins his first Tour of Germany

0
This victory makes Ensenada-born Isaac del Toro the first Latin American cyclist to win the Tour of Germany, following his recent milestone of becoming the first Mexican cyclist in 36 years to win a stage of the Tour de France. 
fungi research

University of Guadalajara scientists discover 6 ant-killing ‘zombie fungi’

2
The ruthless parasites infect the body of ants, causing them to adopt suicidal behavior, and then grow out of the dead boides to release spores for a new generation of the unusual species.
financial district of Mexico City

Mexico’s economy grew 1.4% in Q2 but contracted in June, revised data shows

0
Analysts partially attributed the solid economic performance in the second quarter to spending related to the FIFA men's World Cup, though June on the whole produced a decline.
BETA Version - Powered by Perplexity