A devastating bus-truck collision in Tabasco, southern Mexico, has resulted in the death of at least 41 individuals, according to authorities. The incident unfolded in the early morning of February 8, 2025, near Escárcega. The bus, owned by Tours Acosta, was ferrying 48 passengers from Cancun to Tabasco when it smashed into a truck that had drifted into its path.
As per official reports, 38 passengers, the bus driver, and both truck drivers perished on the spot. The impact ignited a fire in the bus, charring it beyond recognition and leaving only the metal framework intact. Identification and recovery operations are currently underway.
In a statement, Tours Acosta asserted that the bus was in excellent shape and was adhering to the federal traffic regulations, including a moderate speed limit at the time of the crash. The company maintained that despite the driver’s best efforts, the collision was inevitable.
Tours Acosta expressed profound grief over the loss of esteemed colleagues, customers, and friends. The company extended gratitude for the support and fellowship it received during this challenging time.
Local, federal, and Campeche authorities are working in concert to manage the crisis. Tabasco Governor Javier May Rodríguezconfirmed the efforts to extend the necessary assistance. State officials are actively evaluating the needs and delivering support to those impacted.
Ovidio Peralta, the Mayor of Comalcalco, a town in Tabasco, pledged support to federal and state authorities. The municipal palace of Comalcalco labeled the crash a “tragic accident” and confirmed its assistance in transferring the deceased.
The crash is currently under investigation by authorities, with the public ministry in Candelaria, Campeche, overseeing the case. The families of the victims were informed by Tours Acosta to contact this department for necessary procedures. Officials have committed to providing regular updates as identification efforts progress.
This collision is one of the deadliest road accidents in Mexico in recent years. Recovery teams are still on-site, accounting for all victims. The Mexican government has yet to release a comprehensive list of those affected. Further investigations will reveal if other factors contributed to the catastrophe.
In a separate incident, 19 individuals lost their lives and six others were injured when a bus bound for Juárez crashed on a highway in Zacatecas, a central Mexican state. The accident happened on October 26, 2024, causing the bus to roll over and plummet into a ravine. The Omnibus de Mexico bus was traveling from Tepic, Nayarit, to Juárez, Chihuahua, when it hit a tractor-trailer carrying corn.
The Zacatecas governor initially reported 24 fatalities, but the state attorney general’s office later revised the figure.
Another deadly accident occurred near Xalapa, Veracruz, on the Gulf coast of Mexico. Eight people died, and 27 others were injured in the pre-dawn crash on December 27, 2024. The victims were mostly passengers on an ADO-line bus, which included three men, four women, and a girl.
These accidents underscore the ongoing issues with road safety in Mexico, particularly on high-traffic highways and rugged terrains. Investigations into the precise causes of each crash are expected to lead to better preventive measures.