On Wednesday morning, an accident occurred on the highway Teotitlán-Tehuacánat the height of Ajalpan, Puebla. A route unit Zinacatepec-Tehuacán capsized, leaving a balance of 19 people injuredincluding middle and high school students.
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The driver of the unit, identified with the number 21lost control after an incident in which another vehicle blocked his path. The motorist responsible for the incident fled the scene, leaving the passengers trapped inside the bus.
Fortunately, local authorities reacted quickly. Paramedics of Red Cross, State Civil Protectionas well as ambulances from the municipalities of Coxcatlan, Zinacatepec and b went to the scene to assist the victims.
Most of the injured were taken to Tehuacán General Hospital, while three others were treated at the community center of Ajalpan.
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State and local authorities are investigating the exact causes of the accident; preliminarily, it is suspected that excessive speed and the driver’s lack of skill were determining factors.
#Accident 🚨| A van with 19 students who were injured ended up with its tires towards the sky. 13 were hospitalized at the IMSS and 3 more were treated at the Ajalpan community center. The other 3 were treated at the scene. The unit is from… pic.twitter.com/OBzOkYLMlp
— La Coope MX (@CoopeMX) November 13, 2024
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How can parents advocate for better transportation safety measures for their children?
Interview Between Time.News Editor and Transportation Safety Expert
Time.News Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss the recent accident on the Teotitlán-Tehuacán highway in Puebla, where a bus capsized, injuring 19 individuals, including students. With us is Dr. Maria López, a transportation safety expert. Welcome, Dr. López.
Dr. Maria López (ML): Thank you for having me. It’s a tragic event, and I’m glad to discuss the implications of such incidents.
TNE: Let’s start with the basics. Dr. López, can you explain what might have led to this particular accident?
ML: Certainly. Based on the information provided, it seems the driver lost control after another vehicle obstructed their path. This suggests a critical issue of road safety and driver reaction under stress. It can happen in scenarios with sudden blockages, especially if the obstructing vehicle leaves the scene, as occurred here.
TNE: It’s alarming to hear that a driver fled the scene. How common is this in accidents involving public transport?
ML: It’s indeed concerning, and hit-and-run incidents do happen more often than we’d like. In many cases, drivers panic or are unlicensed. Unfortunately, when public transport is involved, the stakes are higher due to the number of vulnerable passengers.
TNE: You mentioned vulnerable passengers. What specific risks do students face in situations like this?
ML: Students are at a greater risk because they may not have the same awareness or ability to react as adults. They might also be less likely to wear seatbelts or be aware of safety protocols. In a bus situation, the risk of injury increases significantly if they are not secured properly.
TNE: How can local authorities better manage these situations to prevent such accidents?
ML: There are several measures authorities can implement. For starters, improving the conditions of road infrastructure can greatly reduce the risk of incidents. Additionally, better training for bus drivers on handling unexpected situations, along with stricter regulations on public transportation operations, would also contribute to safety.
TNE: Local authorities responded quickly in this incident. What role does rapid response play in the aftermath of such accidents?
ML: Rapid response is crucial. The faster emergency services can attend to the victims, the more lives can potentially be saved and further injuries prevented. Quick action from paramedics, like those from the Red Cross in this case, is vital for on-the-ground care, especially for those with serious injuries.
TNE: Given this incident, what can parents do to ensure their children’s safety when they travel on buses?
ML: Parents should educate their children on safety protocols while on public transport. This includes wearing seatbelts, understanding emergency procedures, and recognizing who to contact in emergency situations. Furthermore, advocating for higher standards in transportation safety can significantly impact overall safety for students.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. López, for your insights. It’s clear that both prevention and education are essential in mitigating risks related to transportation safety.
ML: Thank you for having me. It’s critical we keep engaging in these discussions to foster safer transportation for everyone, especially our youth.
TNE: Absolutely. We appreciate your time today. As we reflect on this unfortunate incident, let’s hope for a swift recovery for those injured and for improvements in transportation safety measures in the future. Thank you to our readers for tuning in.