Merida, Yucatan — More than a dozen people were killed Saturday evening in a three vehicle accident in Yucatan. The vehicles collided on a section of the 180 highway south of the city of Merida with one vehicle bursting into flames.
A taxi van carrying passengers collided with a company beer truck that overturned, hitting a third private vehicle. The van burst into flames. At least 15 people were reported killed and two left seriously injured in the multi-vehicle crash.
Some of the deceased were killed being thrown from the van, while at least five died from being trapped during the fire. A total of 15 were reported deceased at the time of the accident. One of the deceased included the driver of the semi company truck.
Firefighters and paramedics from the Yucatán Public Security Secretariat (SSP) responded to reports of the fiery crash. Ambulances rushed the injured to hospitals in Merida.
According to Yucatán Public Security Secretariat (SSP) “the accident site left 15 people dead including the tractor-trailer driver who was still on board, and others burned inside the taxi,” the agency said in its statement.
In a social media statement, Yucatán Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena confirmed the number of victims.
“It is with deep regret that we received the news of the unfortunate accident that occurred on the Mérida–Campeche highway where 15 people sadly died. We express our solidarity and support to the affected families in this painful moment.
“Since the first report, emergency, security and health services have been responding to the situation to provide immediate assistance.”
Authorities continue working to identify the deceased. According to Campeche Governor Layda Sansores, as of Sunday morning, five of the deceased have been identified.
