11 killed in northern Mexico traffic accident

MEXICO CITY: At least 11 members of the Indigenous Raramuri community, including children and adults, were killed and eight others injured in a two-vehicle crash Tuesday night in northern Mexico, local authorities said Wednesday.

The accident occurred at kilometer 27 of the Guachochi-Yoquivo highway when a pickup truck carrying the victims was struck by another vehicle that crossed into its lane, said the prosecutor’s office of the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua.

The victims were en route from a municipal aid distribution event to the Somarachi community in Guachochi.

Authorities said the driver of the other vehicle fled the scene, and armed individuals later arrived to remove the truck involved in the crash.

Chihuahua Governor Maru Campos expressed condolences on social media and said the state government is covering funeral expenses and supporting the injured.

“I have asked the Indigenous Communities Secretariat to accompany and assist the families, and instructed the state prosecutor to fully investigate and bring those responsible to justice,” Campos said.

-Xinhua