In a devastating incident, a bus and a truck collided in the southern Mexican state of Tabasco, resulting in the death of 41 individuals, as confirmed by authorities. The collision took place near Escárcega, in the early hours of Saturday, February 8, 2025. The bus, run by Tours Acosta, was en route from Cancun to Tabasco with 48 passengers on board when it encountered a truck that had drifted into its lane.
Officials reported that 38 passengers, along with both the bus and truck drivers, died instantly at the accident spot. The bus was set ablaze due to the impact, reducing it to its metal framework.
Tours Acosta maintained that the bus was in excellent working condition and was adhering to all federal traffic regulations at the time of the accident. The company stated that despite the bus driver’s best efforts, the collision was inevitable.
Expressing their grief, Tours Acosta recognized the tragic loss of colleagues, customers, and friends. They also expressed their gratitude for the support and solidarity received during this challenging time.
Local and federal authorities, along with the Campeche administration, coordinated their response to the incident. Tabasco’s Governor, Javier May Rodríguez, confirmed that all necessary assistance was provided, with the government secretary closely monitoring the situation. The authorities are actively involved in assessing the needs of those affected and providing them with the necessary support.
Ovidio Peralta, Mayor of Comalcalco, Tabasco, assured that they are ready to assist the federal and state authorities as needed. The Palacio Municipal de Comalcalco termed the event as a tragic accident and pledged its support in transferring the victims’ bodies.
Authorities are conducting an investigation into the accident, with the public ministry in Candelaria, Campeche handling the case. Tours Acosta has instructed the victims’ families to approach this department to complete the necessary formalities. Officials have promised to provide updates as the identification process progresses.
This accident ranks among the deadliest road accidents in Mexico in recent times. Recovery teams continue to work at the site, accounting for all victims. The Mexican government has not yet released a comprehensive list of those affected. The ongoing investigations will ascertain if any additional factors contributed to this tragedy.
In a separate incident, 19 individuals lost their lives and six were injured when a bus en route to Juárez met with an accident on a Zacatecas highway in central Mexico. The bus, heading from Tepic, Nayarit, to Juárez, Chihuahua, collided with a tractor-trailer carrying corn that had detached, causing the bus to overturn and plummet into a ravine on October 26, 2024. The initial death toll reported by the Zacatecas governor was 24, but this was later revised by the state attorney general’s office.
Yet another deadly accident occurred near Xalapa, Veracruz, on Mexico’s Gulf coast. This pre-dawn crash on December 27, 2024 claimed eight lives and injured 27 people. The majority of the victims were passengers on an ADO-line bus, including three men, four women, and a girl.
These incidents underscore the persisting concerns over road safety in Mexico, particularly along highways with heavy traffic and challenging terrains. Investigations into these crashes aim to establish accountability and introduce measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future.