On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, a serious road accident occurred on the Mexico–Querétaro Highway near Huehuetoca, State of Mexico, resulting in 19 fatalities and several injuries. The incident, reported by authorities from the Guardia Nacional (National Guard) and local emergency services, has raised renewed concern about highway safety in one of the country’s busiest transportation corridors.
The accident involved a trailer that lost control and collided with multiple vehicles, leading to a chain-reaction crash and partial closure of the highway. This tragedy has prompted both federal and state agencies to issue road safety reminders for drivers traveling during high-traffic and adverse weather conditions.
Details of the Accident
According to the Secretaría de Seguridad del Estado de México (State of Mexico Security Secretariat), the collision occurred at kilometer 59 of the highway near the Jorobas intersection, a stretch known for heavy traffic flow.
The trailer, reportedly traveling toward Mexico City, was unable to brake in time. It first struck a roadside bank before crashing into five passenger cars and a pickup truck. The force of the impact caused the trailer to block all three northbound lanes, leading to a complete traffic standstill.
Emergency services, including paramedics, firefighters, and traffic police, quickly arrived at the scene. Authorities confirmed that 19 people lost their lives, while others sustained injuries ranging from mild to moderate. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals for further evaluation and treatment.
The Guardia Nacional División de Caminos (Highway Division) temporarily closed the section of the road to carry out rescue operations and remove the damaged vehicles. Traffic was later diverted to alternate routes, but congestion persisted for several hours.
Possible Contributing Factors
While the full investigation is ongoing, authorities noted that wet road conditions caused by rain may have contributed to the trailer’s loss of control. Brake failure and excessive speed are also being examined as potential factors.
The Secretaría de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transportes (SICT) stated that a technical review of the trailer and road surface conditions will be conducted to determine whether mechanical issues, driver fatigue, or infrastructure limitations played a role in the crash.
Road Safety in Mexico: A Persistent Challenge
The Mexico–Querétaro Highway is one of the country’s most important transport routes, connecting Mexico City with industrial and commercial hubs in Querétaro, Guanajuato, and beyond. With heavy cargo and passenger traffic daily, it is also one of the highways where accidents are most frequently reported.
According to the Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI), more than 377,000 road accidents were reported in Mexico in 2022. Of these, collisions involving heavy vehicles such as trailers and buses accounted for a significant proportion of fatalities.
Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that road traffic crashes remain a leading cause of death globally, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the heaviest burden. In Mexico, traffic accidents are among the top ten causes of death, particularly affecting people aged 15 to 29.
Emergency Response and Victim Support
Local hospitals in the State of Mexico received the injured passengers, while forensic teams worked to identify the deceased. The Fiscalía General de Justicia del Estado de México (FGJEM) opened an investigation to clarify the causes and responsibilities.
Authorities emphasized the importance of following up on medical care for those with minor injuries, as symptoms of trauma may not always be immediately visible. In addition, psychological support services have been offered to families affected by the tragedy.
The Red Cross Mexico (Cruz Roja Mexicana) and other emergency organizations highlighted the effectiveness of quick coordinated response, but stressed that prevention remains the most effective way to reduce fatalities.
Road Safety Recommendations for Drivers
In response to the accident, both state and federal authorities issued safety reminders for drivers using the Mexico–Querétaro Highway and other high-risk routes. The following recommendations are based on guidelines from the SICT, the Guardia Nacional, and the WHO:
1. Maintain Safe Following Distance
Heavy vehicles require much longer stopping distances than passenger cars. Drivers are advised to maintain at least a three-second gap in dry conditions, and even more when the road is wet.
2. Adjust Speed in Adverse Weather
Rain, fog, and poor visibility increase the likelihood of accidents. Lowering speed during wet conditions significantly reduces stopping distance and helps maintain control of the vehicle.
3. Regular Vehicle Maintenance
Mechanical failures such as brake malfunction and tire blowouts are common causes of highway accidents. Ensuring regular inspections, particularly for heavy cargo trucks, is essential.
4. Avoid Driver Fatigue
Long-haul drivers should respect rest regulations and avoid driving under fatigue. Studies show that drowsy driving can impair reflexes as much as alcohol.
5. Emergency Preparedness
Drivers should always carry a first aid kit, warning triangles, and emergency contact numbers. In case of a collision, staying calm and alerting emergency services immediately can save lives.
Broader Impact of Highway Accidents
Highway accidents not only cause immediate human loss but also have significant economic impacts. According to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), road crashes can cost countries up to 3% of their annual GDP, considering medical care, property damage, and productivity loss.
In Mexico, improving road safety could save thousands of lives annually and reduce economic strain on the healthcare and transport sectors.
Moving Forward
The November 20 tragedy on the Mexico–Querétaro Highway is a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, infrastructure investment, and strict regulation of heavy cargo transport. As investigations continue, families of the victims are receiving support while authorities evaluate both the immediate and long-term measures needed to prevent similar incidents.
By learning from such devastating events, Mexico and other countries can strengthen their efforts to reduce fatalities and make highways safer for all travelers.