On Wednesday morning, February 5, 2025, chaos ensued on the streets of Mexico City as a trailer loaded with 20 tons of PET (plastic) overturned after falling from a bridge. This accident took place at the intersection of Río de los Remedios and Miguel Bernard streets, within the Gustavo A. Madero borough. According to local authorities, the driver lost control of the vehicle during ascent, resulting in the trailer plummeting approximately four meters onto the roadway below.
The overturned truck blocked traffic entirely on this busy thoroughfare, making it difficult for vehicles to navigate. Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident, as reports indicated there were no vehicles or pedestrians present beneath the bridge at the time of the fall. Emergency crews quickly mobilized to the scene, including police, firefighters, and members of the Civil Protection department from the borough.
Upon arrival, responders discovered the trailer lying on its left side, severely damaged. The incident raised alarms among residents and officials about the dangers posed by heavy vehicles on the city's aging infrastructure, particularly concerning the effects of weight on bridges. Initial investigations revealed this kind of mishap has occurred before, as oversized loads put considerable stress on structural elements.
The trailer, registered under plates 30-AT-4J, had been transporting large quantities of recycled plastic destined for processing. The loss of such cargo is not just detrimental to the involved company but also raises environmental concerns about improperly managed waste.
Authorities reported the driver fled the scene shortly after the trailer came to rest, which put the recovery of the vehicle and clearing of debris solely on the emergency services. Grúas (tow trucks) from the Citizen Security Secretariat worked diligently to right the trailer and remove the remainder of the load, which had spilled onto the asphalt. While their job was made more challenging by the volume of the spill, their quick action allowed for the road to be cleared relatively swiftly.
The accident at Río de los Remedios coincided with another similar incident elsewhere. On the same day, another trailer overturned on Avenida José López Portillo resulting in significant traffic disruptions. The two accidents highlight the hazardous conditions often faced by drivers of heavy vehicles, particularly those unfamiliar with the challenging routes within the metropolitan area.
This accident has sparked discussions on social media, with many users demanding improved safety measures on major roadways. Urban transport experts have echoed these concerns, noting the necessity for stricter regulations on the weights of vehicles allowed on specific routes and more extensive infrastructure assessments to prevent future accidents.
Videos shared online depicted the chaos following the trailer's fall, with crews working against the clock to manage the situation and assist traffic flow. The incident serves as yet another reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly for commercial vehicles, and the consequences when protocols are not adhered to.
Residents living near the site have expressed their relief at no injuries resulting from the accident but worry about the frequency of such occurrences. Many have voiced their desire for the city to prioritize infrastructure maintenance and improvements to prevent similar incidents.
Overall, the overturned trailer on Río de los Remedios not only resulted in temporary disruption but also raised broader questions about transportation policies and emergency response protocols within the city. Authorities will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, aiming to formulate strategies to prevent future accidents of this nature.