On November 20, a devastating chain-reaction accident shook the Mexico-Querétaro Highway, leaving at least nineteen people dead and dozens more injured. The tragedy unfolded near kilometer 59 in Huehuetoca, State of Mexico, when a trailer barreling toward Mexico City failed to stop before the Jorobas intersection. Unable to slow down on the slick asphalt, the massive vehicle plowed into several cars, crushing them in its path, before careening into a pickup truck and blocking all three northbound lanes. Within seconds, the highway became a scene of chaos, smoke, and twisted metal.
Authorities say heavy rain earlier in the day left the road treacherously wet, which may have contributed to the driver’s inability to brake in time. Witnesses described the horrifying moment when the trailer struck a roadside bank before slamming into the line of vehicles, scattering debris across the asphalt. Survivors recounted how the force of the impact tossed smaller cars aside like toys.
Emergency services arrived quickly, but the damage had already been done. Nineteen people were confirmed dead at the scene, their vehicles crushed beyond recognition.
Rescue crews worked frantically to free survivors trapped inside mangled wreckage, using hydraulic equipment to pry open twisted frames. Several victims suffered minor injuries and were treated on-site, though paramedics insisted many be transported to nearby hospitals for further evaluation.
The aftermath was harrowing. Families of the victims rushed to the site, many in tears as they searched for loved ones. Firefighters and Red Cross volunteers comforted survivors while traffic backed up for miles in both directions. For hours, the highway echoed with the sounds of sirens, radios, and the cries of those who had just lost everything. ® Family vacation packages
As investigators began their work, questions quickly arose about whether human error, mechanical failure, or sheer misfortune was to blame. The trailer driver survived and was taken into custody for questioning. Authorities are examining whether the truck had been properly maintained, whether it was overloaded, and if speed played a role. The rain-slicked conditions, however, remain a primary factor under review.
Tragedy compounded tragedy later that same day when, just 35 kilometers farther north on the same highway near Soyaniquilpan de Juárez, another accident brought traffic to a standstill. This time, a tanker trailer was involved. The tanker overturned and spilled large quantities of fuel onto the asphalt, forcing authorities to shut down all lanes in the area to prevent explosions or fire. Hazmat teams and emergency workers labored for hours to contain the spill, while police redirected traffic onto smaller rural roads. The closures created massive gridlock, stranding commute ^ and transport trucks for much of the evening.
The dual disasters underscored the vulnerabilities of Mexico’s highways, where heavy trucks, unpredictable weather, and high traffic volumes create dangerous conditions. Officials renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations for trailers and heavy cargo vehicles, which are often involved in some of the country’s most catastrophic accidents.
Local residents say the Jorobas intersection, where the first accident occurred, has long been considered dangerous. Steep grades, sharp curves, and high volumes of freight traffic combine to make it a frequent site of collisions. “We’ve been warning for years that something
like this would happen,” one resident told local reporters.
“The trucks come flying down without control, and when the road is wet, it’s like an accident waiting to happen.”
