Othón P. Blanco, Q.R. — A three vehicle crash along a section of southern highway left motorists at a standstill Thursday. A double long semi and LP gas truck collided on the highway, causing two other vehicles to become involved.
Emergency responders were called to a section of Xul-Ha highway near Chetumal Thursday after reports of the multi-vehicle accident. According to preliminary reports, the accident occurred when the semi driver collided with an LP gas truck. The driver of a private car happening upon the scene also collided with with gas truck.
The initial collision with the semi caused the gas truck to overturn onto its roof in the center of the road. Several cylinders spilled out onto the highway where there were reports of leaking gas.
Emergency services attended to the overturned truck that was transporting several LP gas cylinders that had spilled across the highway. A parked dump truck in a yard off the highway was also overturned after being hit by the runaway semi.
Members of the Othón P. Blanco Fire Department responded to the gas leaks. Three people were transported to Chetumal hospital from the scene of the crash.
National Guard Highways diverted traffic and secured the area, keeping the road closed for more than two hours. Traffic in the southbound lane heading toward Chetumal was completely blocked due to the overturned gas truck and partially jackknifed semi.
Tow trucks eventually arrived to remove the three vehicles and clear the road. Authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of the accident.
