Five people were killed when a taxi/colectivo and a semi-trailer collided on a highway in Oaxaca yesterday.

Three people were injured in the accident, which occurred on the Oaxaca-Puerto Escondido highway near the community of Ciénega Zimatlán.

According to one report, the driver of the semi lost control of the vehicle and crossed into the oncoming lane, striking the taxi. Another report blamed the taxi for being in the wrong lane on a curve on the winding, mountain highway.

The taxi driver was killed as were some of his passengers, who were flung from the vehicle on impact. The vehicle was completely destroyed.

The semi-trailer was carrying pilgrims to the popular shrine of the Virgin of Juquila. The driver fled the scene immediately after the crash, authorities said.

Source: NVI Noticias (sp), El Imparcial (sp)