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Profepa attends site of fallen cement truck into the Cancun Nichupté Lagoon

Cancun, Q.R. — The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) has confirmed no cement spilled into the lagoon. The agency made the inspection over the weekend after a worksite accident last week.

Personnel from Procuraduria Federal de Proteccion al Ambiente (Profepa) did observe, however, black material with a hydrocarbon smell on the surface of the water. That contaminant was contained by an absorbent barrier that had been put in place after the vehicle fell into the lagoon.

“Construction personnel were already on site cleaning the affected area. To do so, they placed an absorbent containment barrier and an anti-dispersion mesh to prevent the spread of any oil or hydrocarbon,” they reported in an official statement Saturday.

According to authorities, the cement truck accidently fell into the Nichupté Lagoon on the evening of January 23, however, they were not immediately notified. It wasn’t until January 24 that the vehicle was removed from the lagoon.

Two cranes and a cargo truck were used to hoist the fallen cement truck from lagoon waters. The National Commission for Protected Natural Areas (Conanp), the Navy (Semar) and the Harbor Master’s Office were also at the scene of the accident.

Authorities investigating Cancun Nichupté Lagoon cement truck accident

Profepa will continue to conduct surveys to ensure there are no environmental impacts on the lagoon. There were no injuries reported in the accident.

Last week, an industrial cement truck was pouring column foundations when it accidently went over the side of the bridge and into the lagoon.