Buenos Aires experienced shocking moments on Wednesday as live TV captured the moment when a 72-year-old driver struck a transit officer during routine traffic checks at the intersection of Callao and Libertador avenues. The incident unfolded around 6 PM, right after multiple channels had gathered to cover another story involving diplomatic tensions.
Initially, the day was marked by heightened media presence due to the chaotic situation where two Russian citizens had refused to undergo breath testing. This drew several news crews to the vicinity, heightening the pressure on law enforcement officials as they tried to manage both the testing and the crowds.
It was during this tumultuous atmosphere when the accident occurred. A woman, having just undergone the breathalyzer test and cleared to drive, approached the traffic control area. "Estaba saliendo a baja velocidad, eso es lo que no puedo entender," said Nuria González Rouco, the reporter covering the story live for TN. Her bewilderment highlighted the unexpected nature of the incident as the vehicle, identified as a Toyota Etios, accelerated uncontrollably, colliding with the officer who was on duty directing traffic.
Eyewitnesses recounted the moment with incredulity. Here was the officer guiding vehicles safely through the checkpoint when tragedy struck just seconds after the driver was cleared. "La verdad es que es una tarde en la que no falta nada," noted Silvia Matínez from TN, underlining the chaotic sequence of events unraveling before their eyes.
According to González Rouco, the driver had not been speeding but still lost control. "Algunas personas salen a alta velocidad, pero este no era el caso. La mujer salía muy despacio y la chica golpea de costado y por eso es que cae al suelo,” she explained, attempting to piece together what had happened. The officer involved, unable to stand afterward, received immediate attention from her colleagues. With cameras rolling, the gravity of the situation became painfully apparent. The concern for the injured officer came through not just from the colleagues on the scene but also from the credulous viewers at home witnessing this startling event live.
Despite the slow speed of the collision, the impact was severe enough to render the officer unable to get up on her own. This scene illustrated the dangers transit officers face daily, often operating under strenuous conditions and with unpredictable drivers. The vulnerability of those responsible for maintaining order became starkly clear.
Meanwhile, as the situation unfolded, reports indicated the driver lacked proper vehicle documentation. This raised additional questions about her actions leading up to the collision, including how she lost control at such low speed. The combination of high tension from earlier events, the chaotic traffic control, and the sudden incident prompted discussions among the media present, highlighting how quickly situations can escalate during routine operations.
The day's incidents, juxtaposed between diplomatic disputes and everyday traffic management, served as sobering reminders of the risks patrol officers face, along with the potential ramifications for drivers who may not fully grasp the consequences of their actions. The transit officer’s condition remained the primary focus as she received necessary medical attention post-accident.
Following the accident, authorities have indicated they will be investigating the situation thoroughly to determine the specifics of the driver's actions before the collision and whether any protocols were ignored during traffic management operations. While the live broadcast captured the shock and immediate aftermath of the incident, it also highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement officers on the street, often balancing public safety with unpredictable situations.
