Cancun, Q.R. — At least 38 people were killed early Saturday morning in a bus that crashed after leaving Cancun Friday night. The accident happened around 2:45 a.m. Saturday on a section of the Escárcega-Villahermosa highway in the neighboring state of Campeche.
Only 11 people managed to escape from the fiery crash. They were rushed to hospital, however three have reportedly since died, pushing the initial number of dead from 35 to 38.
The fatal accident occurred when a Tour’s Acosta passenger bus collided head-on with a semi traveling in the opposite direction. According to the bus company, the driver of the semi invaded the oncoming lane.
The bus, which crashed in Campeche after leaving Quintana Roo, was bound for the state of Tabasco. The impact caused both vehicles to catch fire making it difficult for the passengers to evacuate the bus.
According to Tabasco media reports, witnesses stopped to try and free those trapped inside the burning bus. The drivers of both vehicles are among the dead.
The Tour’s Acosta company confirmed that the bus had left Cancun on Friday night with 46 passengers on board bound for Escárcega, Tobasco. In a statement released late Saturday afternoon, the bus company said:
“To our clients and friends, in relation to the accident that occurred on February 8, 2025 at approximately 2:45 a.m., where a trailer invaded the lane in which our bus on the Villa del Sol-Tecolutilla route was traveling, we inform you:
“Tours Acosta deeply regrets what happened, we have lost very dear colleagues, as well as clients and friends, we appreciate your understanding and solidarity in this difficult time.
“Tours Acosta is fully collaborating with the authorities to clarify the facts. We have also asked our insurer to expedite and facilitate the necessary procedures to respond quickly to the relatives, always adhering to the law.
“It is important to mention that at the time of the accident our bus was in optimal condition, traveling at a moderate speed in accordance with the Federal Jurisdiction Highway and Bridge Traffic Regulations as well as all applicable regulations, however, approximately at km 171 of the Escárcega-Chablé highway, a trailer traveling in the opposite direction invaded the lane in which our bus was traveling.
“Despite the maneuvers performed by our operator it was impossible to avoid the collision.
“The public ministry has informed us that the investigation will be carried out in the prosecutor’s office of the municipality of Candelaria, Campeche. For this reason, the relatives of our passengers and friends must go to this agency to carry out the corresponding procedures.
“All the information that arises will be provided by this same means through our social networks,” the company said.
Tabasco Governor Javier May said his government is working closely with federal and Campeche authorities to provide assistance.
“We deeply regret the accident that occurred this morning near Escárcega involving a bus that was coming from Cancun to Tabasco. We are coordinating with federal and Campeche authorities to provide the required assistance. The Secretary of Government is closely following up on the situation,” he posted on his social media.
The Secretary of Government, José Ramiro López Obrador, has been appointed to follow up on the accident.
