Mexico bus crash kills at least 16 Venezuelan and Haitian migrants

Tragic Bus Crash in Mexico Claims 16 Lives – Most Were Migrants from Venezuela and Haiti

In a devastating accident in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, a bus crash has left at least 16 people dead, local authorities confirmed on Friday. The majority of passengers were identified as migrants, mostly from Venezuela and Haiti.

The Victims

The casualties include three children and two women, all alleged to be from Venezuela and Haiti, as per the Oaxaca state attorney general's report. At least 27 people sustained injuries in the accident and have been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The Crash Site

Images shared by authorities on social media reveal the magnitude of the accident. The large bus can be seen toppled over with significant damage against the backdrop of a sharp curve on the steep Oaxaca-Cuacnopalan highway.

The accident reportedly occurred at around 5 a.m. local time. The Oaxaca state attorney general's office initially reported an estimated 18 deaths, but the count was later revised.

Prior Incidents & Ongoing Crisis

This tragic incident follows another recent accident, on Sunday, that resulted in the deaths of at least 10 Cuban migrants, one of whom was a child, when the truck they were travelling in also overturned in southern Mexico.

The crises and inherent insecurity in nations like Venezuela and Haiti have resulted in high volumes of migrants flowing northward. The situation has challenged U.S. and Mexican officials as they grapple with the horde of arrivals. Increasing pressure is being exerted on Mexico by Washington to assume more responsibility for individuals traversing its territories.

Venezuela's and Haiti's Ongoing Struggles

Food scarcity and restricted access to healthcare facilities have forced an estimated 7.7 million alone from Venezuela – a displacement scale superseding Ukraine, which is currently afflicted by an active conflict.

In a significant policy change, senior officials from the Biden administration disclosed last Thursday that the U.S. is set to recommence direct deportations to Venezuela to mitigate the unprecedented influx.

Simultaneously, Haiti is awaiting the setup of a new multinational mission to help stabilize the nation, which is currently entangled in rampant gang violence, kidnappings, and a severe food crisis.