At least 12 people lost their lives and four others sustained injuries in northern Mexico on Sunday when a van plunged into a ravine and caught fire, igniting a forest blaze in the surrounding area.
The tragic incident occurred in Nuevo León, a northern state bordering the U.S., just a short distance from Monterrey, the state capital.
In a video message, David de la Peña, the mayor of Santiago, stated that the accident was likely caused by a mechanical failure in the vehicle.
Reports indicate that the van, which fell nearly 120 meters (394 feet) into the ravine, was carrying around 16 passengers.
As of the time of reporting, there was no immediate information on the passengers’ identities or whether the driver was among the casualties.
Some victims died at the scene, while others succumbed to their injuries after being taken to the hospital.
Images released by authorities showed thick smoke rising from a dry forest, where the fire spread rapidly. A helicopter was deployed to help extinguish the flames.
This incident is the latest in a series of fatal road accidents in Mexico.
- Earlier this month, 11 people died in southern Mexico after a bus overturned.
- Last month, 41 people lost their lives when a bus collided with a truck in the south.
- Late last year, a bus crash in central Mexico claimed 19 lives.