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.
Daniel Cruz

Mexicans Daniel Cruz and Valeria Juárez take home medals from World Karate Championships

0
Nineteen-year-old Daniel Cruz is the first Mexican in 11 years to reach the final of a world junior championship in the under-60 kg kumite category. 
females textile artisans

New Chiapas lab repairs and protects Indigenous clothing, helping to preserve a valued tradition

0
The laboratory, founded by the Maya World Textile Center, comes at a time of increasing awareness of Indigenous artisans' right to protect their work from exploitation and expropriation.
Workers at IMSS Regional General Hospital 220 in Toluca, México state, have staged a sit-in for 10 days now as part of nationwide protests by employees of Mexico's Social Security Institute (IMSS).

Public healthcare workers plan more protests this week to demand better pay and working conditions

0
In addition to organizing another march on Wednesday, Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) workers will hold a press conference this Tuesday at the same time as President Claudia Sheinbaum's morning presser at the National Palace.
BETA Version - Powered by Perplexity