Bus Crash in Oaxaca State Leaves 16 Dead, Including Migrants from Venezuela and Haiti
Oaxaca, Mexico – A tragic bus crash in the state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of 16 people, according to local authorities. The majority of the passengers onboard the bus were migrants, with three children and two women among the victims. All of the deceased migrants were from Venezuela and Haiti, as confirmed by the Oaxaca state attorney general. Additionally, at least 27 people were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The accident occurred on Friday morning at approximately 5 a.m. local time (7 a.m. ET) on the treacherous Oaxaca-Cuacnopalan highway. Graphic images shared on Facebook by authorities depict the bus flipped over and severely damaged after crashing on a curve.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident. The Oaxaca state attorney general’s office initially reported 18 fatalities, but later revised the count to 16. The sudden tragedy has left the local community in shock and mourning.
This devastating incident comes just days after another fatal accident in southern Mexico, where at least 10 Cuban migrants, including a child, lost their lives when the truck they were traveling in overturned. The deaths of these migrants highlight the dangerous journeys many individuals undertake while seeking refuge from insecurity and economic crises in their home countries.
Venezuela and Haiti have seen significant numbers of migrants fleeing their respective countries due to food shortages, limited access to healthcare, and widespread insecurity. The influx of migrants has put a strain on both the United States and Mexico, with Washington pressuring Mexico City to take on more responsibilities for those crossing through its territory.
The Biden administration has recently announced a major shift in policy by restarting direct deportations of Venezuelans to Venezuela in an effort to curb the record influx. Meanwhile, Haiti is desperately awaiting the arrival of a multinational mission to help restore order in the country, which is currently plagued by rampant gang violence, kidnappings, and food insecurity.
As investigations into the bus crash continue, families and communities affected by this tragedy are left grappling with immense grief. The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the risks and challenges faced by migrants seeking a better future away from their home countries.