- Title: Migrants relive Mexican crash horror as authorities investigate cause
- Date: 10th December 2021
- Summary: CLOSE OF MIGRANT'S INJURED HEAD
- Embargoed: 24th December 2021 17:31
- Keywords: Chiapas Mexico accident migrants traffic accident truck
- Location: TUXTLA GUTIERREZ, CHIAPAS, MEXICO
- City: TUXTLA GUTIERREZ, CHIAPAS, MEXICO
- Country: Mexico
- Topics: Ground Accidents/Collisions,Disaster/Accidents,South America / Central America
- Reuters ID: LVA002F7GHC93
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: EDIT CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES THROUGHOUT
Migrants relived the horror of an accident which killed 55 people on Thursday (December 09) in Chiapas, with most recovering in hospital from fractures, heavy blows and open wounds.
Mexican authorities confirmed on Friday (December 10) most of the 55 victims were Guatemalan migrants.
According to a statement given by the National Guard, at least 160 people coming from Central American countries where travelling inside the truck that flipped over in one of the worst accidents involving migrants.
Authorities also said the driver fled the scene after the accident. Mexico's Attorney General is investigating the cause of the crash.
There are also 105 injured people located in various hospitals in the southern state of Chiapas, which borders Guatemala.
''We had an accident. I was heading towards what we call the American dream. Thank God, nothing, nothing serious happened. I only have a broken arm but at least I'm fine," Guatemalan migrant Ciriaco Rodriguez told Reuters.
The migrants travelling in the truck entered Mexico days ago and installed themselves in San Cristobal de las Casas, where human traffickers kept them in safe houses before putting them on the truck and starting the journey.
The National Guard also said the vehicle did not cross any of the checkpoints located in the roads of Chiapas intended for the rescue of migrants.
Officials confirmed that efforts are being coordinated to provide consular services for repatriation, support with funeral services. Card identifications as well as authorisation to work in Mexico, will also be handed out to survivors of the accident, for humanitarian reasons.
(Production: Jacob Garcia, Manuel Carrillo, Geraldine Downer, Andrea Rodriguez) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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- Usage Terms/Restrictions: WARNING: Editors please note, this clip contains graphic material