At least 26 dead including baby in head-on crash as lorry smashes into minibus and bursts into flames in Mexico
AT least 26 people including a few months old baby, were killed in a horror crash when a lorry smashed into a minibus before bursting into flames.
The tragic accident happened on a highway in northeastern Mexico in the state of Tamaulipas on Sunday.
The vehicles crashed on a road between the cities of Zaragoza and Hidalgo.
Images shared by authorities showed the passenger van almost entirely destroyed by fire, with the lorry also severely burned.
Authorities who arrived at the site of the crash found the truck carrying the trailer was no longer at the scene.
A source at the Tamaulipas prosecutors’ office said investigators were unsure whether the driver of the lorry had fled or if he was also killed in the crash.
The victims may have all been members of one family who had rented the van to drive to the northern city of Monterrey in Veracruz, according to local media.
They are all thought to be Mexicans as national IDs have been recovered from the scene, a source said.
The accident occurred on a highway near the state capital, Ciudad Victoria, and the cause was under investigation, officials said.
The governor of Tamaulipas Américo Villarreal said in a statement: “I deeply regret the tragedy recorded this morning at km. 81 on the Güemez-Zaragoza highway, where several innocent people lost their lives. My condolences to their families.
“I have given instructions to investigate the cause of this accident and also to provide all possible help to the families of the victims.”
Officials from the State Public Security said: “Circulation is not obstructed, however, it is recommended to drive with caution and respect the speed limits as well as the signs.”