20 November, Huehuetoca, State of Mexico. The Mexico-Querétaro Highway was seriously disrupted because of a major multi-vehicle accident with a trailer this Wednesday. The incident took place at kilometer 059+000, close to Huehuetoca in the State of Mexico and roads in that direction were temporarily closed.
The incident occurred when a large trailer was going toward Mexico City. The driver did not brake before reaching the intersection of Jorobas, one of the most crowded parts of the highway, a preliminary report explains.
The trailer hit the side of the road first and it then crashed into five private cars and a pickup truck. Because of the large trailer and the strong collision that screeched to a halt the vehicle, all three lanes heading north were blocked and traffic moved slowly.
Early findings state that maybe the rain earlier made the roads wet, making it difficult for the trailer to brake in time. Researchers are checking to see if brake trouble, going too fast or a tired driver caused the accident.
Shortly after, paramedics, traffic police and tow services came to the scene. Some people received minor injuries that weren’t serious and doctors advised them to be checked for further injuries at nearby hospitals as a precaution. Officials diverted vehicles and set up detours and cleanup workers began the job of removing debris and restoring part of the traffic system.
At kilometer 95.5 close to Soyaniquilpan de Juárez that same day, another accident affected a tanker trailer, making traffic on the Mexico to Querétaro Highway even worse. It is said that the vehicle spilled a lot of fuel which required all lanes at that point to be closed.
A hazmat squad was allowed on location to manage the spill and to protect drivers, traffic was stopped for a while. Many kilometers of traffic jams formed in both directions because of the second incident as authorities tried to deal with the spilled fuel and prevent possible hazards.
Because of these accidents, transportation offices are suggesting that drivers go slower in wet weather, leave more space between their vehicle and larger trucks, regularly check their vehicle’s brakes and stay updated about road conditions via official communication. Both crashes prove that poor weather, slick roads and driving beside trucks can be quite dangerous.
The investigation of both incidents is ongoing and experts are looking into who may be liable and how to prevent similar cases. Official changes will be provided in the coming days after statements are released by Mexico’s transportation and safety departments.