Bus Driver Detained After Fatal Crash in Akumal That Killed Sabritas Worker

Akumal, Quintana Roo — A bus driver is in custody following a fatal collision on a major highway near this coastal town that killed a snack food delivery worker and injured 14 bus passengers.

The driver, identified only as Jesús, was detained at the scene by National Guard personnel after the crash occurred around 7:18 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3, on Federal Highway 307 between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. He was taken to the Municipal Detention Center the following morning and is awaiting a hearing where prosecutors will determine his legal status.

Luis Armando Herrera Quiam, general secretary of the Playa del Carmen municipal government, said the driver underwent a medical review before being handed over to authorities.

The State Prosecutor’s Office has taken over the investigation to determine responsibility for the accident. Officials said the probe will examine whether human error, mechanical failure, or administrative issues played a role.

The crash happened when the Del Valle company bus, traveling in the center lane, suddenly swerved into the right lane and struck a parked Sabritas delivery truck on the shoulder, according to video circulated on social media. The delivery truck caught fire after the impact.

The fire killed Ginger Mariel, 41, a former Red Cross paramedic in Playa del Carmen who was working for Sabritas at the time of the crash.

Fourteen workers on the bus sustained injuries. All were taken to area hospitals and are reported to be out of danger.

Authorities are also reviewing whether the bus had valid insurance to cover potential civil liabilities from the accident and other aspects related to the transport company’s operations.

Mariel was buried in a Playa del Carmen cemetery after a funeral attended by family, friends, and coworkers.