Chetumal, Quintana Roo — A driver escaped injury early Saturday after his car plunged into an unmarked trench dug by the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) on Benito Juarez Avenue, near Insurgentes Avenue.
The black Mazda’s front end became completely submerged in the excavation, which residents said lacked visible warning signs at the time of the incident.
Witnesses reported that overnight rain had washed away the cones and warning tape that had marked the work site. The accumulated water in the area completely covered the trench, preventing the driver from seeing it. As he tried to drive forward, the car fell nose-first and became stuck.
Neighbors placed branches and objects to alert other drivers and prevent a second accident. Minutes later, traffic officers and civil protection personnel arrived to cordon off the area with yellow tape and restrict traffic in the affected lane.
No injuries were reported. The driver got out on his own and did not require medical attention. However, the front-end damage was severe. Water entered the engine compartment, and preliminary assessments indicate the vehicle may be a total loss due to mechanical and electrical damage from submersion.
The car remained in the trench for several hours while recovery was coordinated. A specialized tow truck was needed because of the depth of the excavation and accumulated mud. Traffic on Benito Juarez Avenue was closed during the operation.
Residents of nearby neighborhoods complained that this is not the first time CFE works have been left without proper protection.
The State Traffic Department urged drivers to exercise extreme caution on Benito Juarez Avenue, especially at night and during rain, as electrical grid work continues. They also asked the public to immediately report any open trench or excavation lacking proper signage by calling 911.
