The accident took place in the state of Chiapas, the gateway for migrants from Central America (mainly Honduras and El Salvador) in the hope of reaching the United States.
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It is a human drama with a particularly heavy toll. At least 53 irregular migrants, mostly from Guatemala, were killed Thursday, December 9 in a truck accident in southern Mexico, a country more than ever caught between migratory pressure from its poor neighbors to the south and firmness the United States.
“So far 53 people have died and three others have been seriously injured”The Mexican public prosecutor’s office said in a statement. The accident took place near Tuxtla Gutierrez, capital of the southern state of Chiapas, bordering Guatemala.
The migrants were crammed into the trailer of a truck, according to initial explanations from Civil Protection. Witnesses said the truck crashed into a wall at full speed and overturned.
“There were a lot of people on the ground, some were already dead. With other guys we did what we could to help the rescuers save those who were still showing signs of life.”, said Isaias Diaz, arrived on site a few minutes after the tragedy.
The accident took place in the state of Chiapas, the gateway for migrants from Central America (mainly Honduras and El Salvador) in the hope of reaching the United States.
Truck transport is one of the common methods used by smugglers. “We need migratory alternatives and legal avenues to avoid tragedies like this one”, estimated the Mexican branch of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in its message of condolence.