New chilling details have surfaced following a tragic bus accident that resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals, including at least one child, as the bus careened over a 600-foot embankment.
The bus was reportedly filled with passengers returning home for the Christmas holiday when it was involved in the collision in Zontecomatlan, Mexico, on Christmas Eve. The incident occurred around 5 pm local time, just ahead of Christmas celebrations.
Initially, reports indicated that eight individuals had perished, and 19 had sustained injuries. The death toll has now climbed to a minimum of 10, with one child among the deceased, while at least 32 passengers are receiving medical treatment in hospitals.
The Zontecomatlan mayor’s office stated, “At this point, we have confirmed the deaths of nine adults and one child.” The injured individuals were transported to various hospitals across Mexico following their rescue by emergency responders.
An investigation into the incident has been initiated by the General Prosecutor’s Office of Justice of the State of Veracruz, working jointly with detectives to ascertain the cause of the tragedy.
The bus had departed from Mexico City and was en route to the town of Chicontepec in Veracruz’s Huasteca region, renowned for its lush tropical scenery, rivers, and mountains. It remains unclear why the bus veered off the road and whether the driver, identified as Carlos Daniel Baez locally, was among the casualties.
In an earlier statement, State governors remarked, “The state government is overseeing the response to a bus accident that occurred in a ravine in Zontecomatlan. Presently, 19 injured individuals are receiving medical attention and have been transferred to Chicontepec and Huayacocotla.
“Regrettably, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has verified eight fatalities. We are continuing the rescue and assistance efforts at the scene in collaboration with the responding teams.”
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