On the afternoon of April 18, 2025, a devastating accident unfolded at the Terraplén de Los Cocos in La Paz, Baja California Sur, when a water truck lost its brakes, resulting in multiple injuries and significant property damage. The incident occurred around 5:18 PM local time, just as many families were enjoying the area during the busy Good Friday holiday.
The truck, owned by the local company Pipas Mendoza and driven by Refugio "N," careened down Palmira street, picking up speed as it descended. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the large white truck struck everything in its path, including palm trees, parked cars, and pedestrians. The aftermath was alarming: three individuals were seriously injured, prompting immediate medical attention.
The injured were identified as Blanca Sarahi "N," 41 years old; Beatriz "N," 60 years old; and Efraín "N," 78 years old. They were swiftly transported to the ISSSTE hospital, with one arriving in red code, indicating a critical condition, while the other two were classified in yellow code, suggesting serious but less critical injuries.
In total, the truck collided with seven vehicles, including a gray Chevrolet Cavalier, a gray Toyota Hilux pickup, a gold Chevrolet Blazer van, a white Dodge Dakota pickup, and a gold Nissan Tsuru, along with an unidentified white car. The impact was severe enough to cause significant damage to the vehicles and left debris scattered across the area.
Following the accident, the driver, a 53-year-old man, was detained at the scene and taken to the Public Ministry agency to face legal repercussions for the incident. Local authorities have since begun an investigation to determine the exact cause of the brake failure and assess any potential liabilities.
Eyewitnesses reported that the truck veered off the road and onto the sidewalk, where it struck pedestrians who were enjoying the sunny holiday. The truck came alarmingly close to a children's play area, raising concerns about safety measures in the busy commercial zone.
As the situation unfolded, paramedics were seen administering first aid to the victims on site before their transport to medical facilities. The scene drew a crowd of onlookers, many of whom were left in shock at the sudden turn of events during what was supposed to be a festive day.
Local police, including both State and Municipal officers, arrived promptly to secure the area and assist with the emergency response. The site, known for its vibrant atmosphere and numerous food stands, was cordoned off to facilitate the investigation and ensure public safety.
Despite the chaos, no official statements had been made by local authorities or the mayor, Milena Quiroga, regarding the incident or the condition of the injured. The lack of communication has raised eyebrows among residents, many of whom are calling for better safety protocols in the area.
This tragic event has sparked discussions about the necessity of stricter regulations for commercial vehicles, particularly those operating in crowded urban areas. With the holiday season bringing increased foot traffic, many are questioning whether enough is being done to prevent such accidents.
In the wake of the incident, the community is left grappling with the implications of the accident, as well as the need for improved safety measures. The Terraplén de Los Cocos, a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike, is now under scrutiny as residents hope for a thorough investigation and the implementation of necessary changes to ensure the safety of all who visit.
As the investigation continues, the injured await updates on their conditions while the community rallies together, reflecting on the fragility of safety in public spaces. The hope is that lessons will be learned from this incident to prevent future tragedies.
