That sentiment is shared by many families now grieving loved ones lost in the crash. Several have already called for legal accountability — not only for the driver, but for the company that owned the trailer and the officials responsible for oversight. “This wasn’t an accident,” said one victim’s brother. “This was negligence. Someone let that truck on the road knowing it wasn’t safe.”
As the investigation unfolds, officials have temporarily restricted traffic on the affected section of the highway. Cleanup crews spent more than 12 hours removing debris and burnt vehicles from the scene. The highway was partially reopened the following day, but the scars — both physical and emotional — remain.
Road safety advocates say this tragedy should serve as a turning point. Statistics show that hundreds die each year on Mexican highways due to preventable crashes involving heavy trucks. Many of these deaths could be avoided with routine vehicle inspections, stricter compliance with rest hours for drivers, and better enforcement of weight and speed limits.
But change has been slow. Corruption, understaffed agencies, and weak penalties for violations have made meaningful reform difficult. And while transportation companies often pledge compliance, enforcement remains inconsistent. Continue reading…
