Bus crash in Quintana Roo kills 11 foreign tourists

On December 19, a tour bus carrying 31 passengers crashed on highway Cafetal-Mahahual in the southern state of Quintana Roo , killing 12 people, including 11 foreign tourists , according to local authorities.

The bus, which transported tourists from the United States, Sweden, Canada, and Brazil to the archeological site of Chacchobén, departed from the port of Mahahual after picking up the passengers traveling on Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

(Location of the accident)

According to the Attorney's Office of Quintana Roo, 10 out of the 12 fatal victims died on the site (including the Mexican tourist guide) and two more passed away after being transferred to a local hospital. Among the victims were two minors, one from the United States and another one from Canada.

The local Ministry of Tourism of Quintana Roo informed four of the foreign injured tourists – 2 Americans and 2 Swedes – were transferred to hospitals in Miami, Florida.

According to the State Attorney, Miguel Ángel Pech, evidence was found that shows the bus driver had been driving over the speed limit, which caused the bus to overturn.

Pursuant to an article in Spanish published by local newspaper Quintana Roo Hoy on December 21, an official case file was opened mentioning crimes such as manslaughter, damages, and losses.

The same newspaper reports the company Costa Maya – owner of the tour bus – in addition to representatives of the cruise line and the local Ministry of Tourism, have been providing legal, logistics, medical and psychological support to the relatives of the victims.

Local authorities informed they have stayed in touch with the respective embassies throughout the process to return the bodies of the victims to their corresponding countries.

am