A refrigerated cargo truck rolled over Monday afternoon near the Melitón Albañez subdistrict outside La Paz, trapping its driver inside the cab and knocking down a utility pole that sent live electrical cables across the road.
The truck rollover occurred at kilometer 11 on the La Paz corridor leading to Melitón Albañez, a rural community southeast of the state capital. National Guard personnel and rescue teams already on scene worked to free the driver, identified only as Rigoberto, from the overturned vehicle.
Driver Rushed to Hospital in Critical Condition
Paramedics transported Rigoberto under “código rojo,” the Mexican emergency classification for critical condition, to Hospital Juan María de Salvatierra in La Paz. The hospital is the primary public medical facility serving the municipality. No other injuries were reported.
The crash created a secondary hazard when the truck struck a utility pole on its way down. Downed power lines left live cables on the ground near the wreck site. Crews from CFE (the Federal Electricity Commission, Mexico’s national power utility) responded alongside local firefighters and Ángeles Verdes, the federal roadside assistance program known as the Green Angels.
Road Delays Expected on Key Freight Route
The La Paz to Melitón Albañez corridor carries significant freight traffic and connects several farming communities south of the city. National Guard units remained at the scene to secure the area while authorities waited for a tow crane large enough to remove the overturned refrigerated truck.
Investigators have not yet determined what caused the rollover. Passing motorists were warned to avoid the area or expect significant delays while crews cleared the wreck and restored electrical service.
Drivers heading south from La Paz on the two-lane road should plan for residual lane closures and possible detours until the truck is fully removed. The stretch near kilometer 11 has limited shoulder space, making large vehicle recovery a slow process.
This story was first reported by Colectivo Pericú.