A peaceful community in the Dominican Republic was rocked by tragedy in the early hours of Sunday, September 1, 2024.
A truck laden with avocados crashed into a bar in the southern town of Azua, located approximately 62 miles west of the capital city, Santo Domingo. The dreadful accident resulted in at least 11 deaths and over 40 injuries, making it one of the most catastrophic traffic accidents in the region’s recent history.
Juan Salas, the civil defense director, confirmed these details to the press. Authorities are scrutinizing footage from nearby surveillance cameras to understand the cause of the crash, which, according to Salas, is still undetermined.
Diego Pesqueira, a spokesperson for the local police force, revealed that a police sergeant was among the victims, adding to the enormity of the event. Pesqueira also stated that although the truck driver fled the scene immediately following the crash, authorities managed to arrest a passenger from the vehicle.
Shaira Castillo, a representative for the National Health Service, gave further details about the injured. According to Castillo, the victims include females aged 17 to 45 and males aged 18 to 55. Four of the injured were in critical condition and were hurried to a nearby hospital for immediate medical care.
Joel Montaño, the provincial director of Health of Azua, reported that most of the injured were transported to San Juan due to its proximity. Taiwan Hospital of Azua admitted four individuals with multiple injuries and fractures, all in stable condition.
The National Institute of Forensic Sciences in Azua has received six bodies, with two more expected. A local media source confirmed that the majority of the deceased were males, but a 20-year-old woman was also among the fatalities.
As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on finding the truck driver who fled the scene. The passenger detained from the vehicle could provide crucial information about the events leading to the accident. The crash, involving a truck carrying avocados—a common freight in the region—has sparked discussions about the safety and regulations of commercial vehicles on the roads.
