While emergency teams were still clearing the first wreck, a second major accident struck the same highway roughly 35 kilometers away, near Soyaniquilpan de Juárez. A tanker truck overturned and ruptured its tank, spilling thousands of liters of fuel across all lanes at kilometer 95.5. Authorities shut down the section immediately to prevent fire or explosions as hazardous materials crews worked to contain the spill using foam and sand barriers.
The two incidents brought traffic to a standstill for hours, trapping hundreds of vehicles and paralyzing a vital route linking Mexico City with Querétaro and the central industrial corridor. Witnesses described chaos and fear, with some motorists helping rescue trapped passengers while others watched flames rise from wrecked cars.
Local residents near the highway reported hearing a massive boom followed by smaller explosions. “The ground shook,” said one homeowner. “We saw fire lighting up the sky.”
Authorities Urge Extreme Caution
In the wake of the tragedy, transportation officials issued urgent warnings for drivers to reduce speed and maintain safe distances, especially during rainy conditions. The Mexico-Querétaro corridor has become notorious for heavy cargo traffic and frequent fatal crashes, often tied to brake failure, driver fatigue, and overloaded trucks.
Law enforcement units have since increased inspections along the route, checking brake systems and enforcing weight limits. The federal government also pledged to accelerate highway maintenance and upgrade safety measures to prevent further disasters.
Community in Mourning
By Thursday morning, grief spread across Huehuetoca and neighboring towns. Flags were lowered to half-staff, and churches held candlelight vigils for the victims. Families waited outside morgues for word on missing loved ones, including commuters, families, and students caught in the collision.
National leaders expressed condolences, vowing support for victims’ families and a comprehensive review of freight transport safety. The tragedy has reignited debate over Mexico’s aging road infrastructure and enforcement of trucking regulations.
For many, the stretch at kilometer 59 now symbolizes both loss and urgency—a stark reminder of how fragile life can be on the nation’s highways, and how much must change to prevent such devastation from happening again.
