A fatal collision between a bus and a truck in Tabasco, southern Mexico, has resulted in the death of at least 41 individuals, as officially verified. The incident happened in the early morning of Saturday, February 8, 2025, near Escárcega. The Tours Acosta-operated bus was en route from Cancun to Tabasco with 48 passengers when a truck deviated into its lane, leading to the catastrophic collision.
As per official reports, 38 passengers, along with two bus drivers and one truck driver from both involved vehicles, succumbed to their injuries at the accident site. The collision’s force ignited a fire in the bus, reducing it to just its metal framework. Authorities continue their efforts to identify the deceased as recovery operations are underway.
Tours Acosta maintained that the bus was in top-notch condition and was adhering to federal traffic rules with a moderate speed at the time of the accident. Despite the bus driver’s best efforts, the company asserted that the collision was unavoidable.
Expressing deep regret over the tragic incident, Tours Acosta recognized the loss of esteemed associates, customers, and friends, emphasizing the tragedy’s immense impact. The company also expressed appreciation for the support and unity shown during this challenging time.
Local government officials, in conjunction with federal and Campeche authorities, are coordinating a response to the incident. Tabasco Governor Javier May Rodríguez has confirmed the efforts to provide necessary assistance and stated that the government secretary is closely observing the situation. Authorities are actively assessing the needs and delivering aid to those affected by this incident.
Ovidio Peralta, the mayor of Comalcalco in Tabasco, expressed his readiness to support federal and state authorities with any requirements. The Palacio Municipal de Comalcalco referred to the incident as a “tragic accident” and pledged its support in transporting the bodies of the victims.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with the public ministry in Candelaria, Campeche, overseeing the case. Tours Acosta has directed families to this department to complete the necessary procedures. Officials have committed to providing updates as victim identification efforts proceed.
This accident stands as one of the most lethal road incidents in Mexico in recent years. Recovery personnel are still on-site, accounting for all victims. The Mexican government has yet to release a full list of those affected by this disaster. The investigation will reveal if additional factors played a role in this tragic event.
In a separate incident, 19 individuals lost their lives and six were injured when a bus destined for Juárez crashed on a highway in Zacatecas, central Mexico, on October 26, 2024. The bus rolled and plummeted into a ravine after colliding with a tractor-trailer carrying corn that had come loose.
Initially, the Zacatecas governor reported 24 fatalities, but the state attorney general’s office later adjusted this figure.
Another fatal crash occurred near Xalapa, Veracruz, on Mexico’s Gulf coast, on December 27, 2024. The pre-dawn crash claimed eight lives and injured 27 others. Most victims were passengers on an ADO-line bus, with the deceased including three men, four women, and a girl.
These accidents underscore the persistent issues with road safety in Mexico, especially on heavily trafficked highways with challenging terrain. Investigations into each incident aim to assign responsibility and introduce measures to prevent similar future occurrences.
