Tragedy Strikes as Passenger Bus Plunges into Ravine in Western Mexico
MEXICO CITY, Aug 3 (Reuters) – A devastating accident occurred in western Mexico early on Thursday, as a passenger bus veered off a highway and plummeted into a ravine, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 people, according to state officials. The majority of the passengers were foreigners, with some of them en route to the U.S. border.
The ill-fated bus, operated by the Elite passenger line, was carrying approximately 42 passengers, including individuals from India, the Dominican Republic, and various African nations. The bus was headed towards the northern border town of Tijuana when the incident occurred.
The bus driver has been apprehended by authorities, as the Nayarit state government suspects him of speeding around a bend in the road. Investigations are still ongoing, and officials are working diligently to identify the victims who tragically lost their lives.
Around 20 individuals have been transported to nearby hospitals to receive treatment for their injuries. The state government has described the condition of one woman as “delicate.” The crash took place near Barranca Blanca on the highway outside the state capital of Tepic.
Rescue efforts have proven to be extremely challenging due to the difficult terrain. Jorge Benito Rodriguez, the security and civil protection secretary for Nayarit, explained that the ravine where the bus plunged is approximately 40 meters (131 ft) deep.
Both the bus company and Mexico’s migration institute have yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the incident.
This tragic accident follows a series of other deadly bus crashes in Mexico. Last month, a bus crash in the southern state of Oaxaca claimed the lives of 29 people. In February, a bus carrying migrants from South and Central America crashed in central Mexico, resulting in the deaths of 17 individuals.
The authorities are urging caution and emphasizing the importance of road safety measures to prevent further tragedies. As investigations continue, the nation mourns the loss of those who perished in this devastating accident.
Reporting by Mexico Newsroom; Writing by Sarah Morland and Isabel Woodford; Editing by Alison Williams and Christopher Cushing
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