Due to a natural incident, vehicular traffic on the Veracruz-Mexico highway was completely blocked by large stones, dirt, mud, and branches. Residents of Guadalupe Magueyes, in the municipality of Maltrata, are urging motorists to avoid the area unless absolutely necessary, as the risk of another incident remains high, according to local resident José Ismael.
Ismael noticed the slow traffic from his home, which is a common occurrence for Maltrata residents due to frequent accidents in the summits. However, when hours passed without clearing the vehicular access, they learned about the landslide at kilometer 231, known as “El Mirador.”
The landslide blocked the lanes and covered a kilometer, with fog in the upper area making it difficult to see the extent of the damage. The National Guard is diverting traffic, as locals recognize the leaning ocotes as a sign of potential further incidents.
According to Ismael, some people lost their lives in the landslide, which occurred without warning and took those on the road by surprise, including two trucks. So far, municipal authorities in Maltrata or personnel from Federal Roads and Bridges (Capufe) have not provided information regarding human losses.
Motorists Seek Information on Alternate Routes
A family traveling from Veracruz to Mexico City for vacation experienced a long journey, delayed by an hour. “We did not know about the issue; we found out now,” said motorist Javier Roldán. He urges Capufe authorities to notify motorists through various media and social networks about alternate routes, as few are familiar with the Guadalupe Magueyes section to exit at the Esperanza toll booth.
Miguel Ángel Méndez López, a truck driver transporting fruits and vegetables, is a day late on his trip to the Central de Abastos in Mexico City. Stranded on the La Estancia stretch, heavy trucks are not allowed to pass, leaving him at a bus stop for over 30 hours. Fortunately, there are snack stands and a nearby store.
“I have been here since yesterday; it got blocked at 8 in the morning. Capufe told us they are going to open from Esperanza on the highway, and the descent will be two-way because there are stopped cars,” Méndez said. He was supposed to be in Mexico by 11:00 AM yesterday with his fish merchandise destined for Villahermosa, Tabasco.
Source: El Sol de Orizaba
