Highway crashes injure three, cause traffic chaos in Mexico

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Two separate crashes on the Playa del Carmen–Tulum highway injured three people and forced a complete closure of the road, causing major traffic delays on Thursday.

Emergency crews responded to the accidents at kilometer 307 near Punta Venado, according to the Playa del Carmen Civil Protection, Risk Prevention and Fire Department. The incidents occurred as part of their ongoing operational deployment.

The first crash involved two vehicles colliding in the Punta Venado area. Two people suffered injuries and received treatment from paramedics at the scene.

Shortly afterward, near the entrance checkpoint to Playa del Carmen, a concrete mixer truck overturned. The driver sustained injuries and was transported to a hospital for medical evaluation.

Civil protection and fire department personnel conducted response operations, set up warning signs, and secured both areas to reduce risks and restore safe conditions along this crucial Quintana Roo transportation corridor.

Crash Details

In the first incident, the driver of a private pickup truck entered the highway while making a U-turn and struck a fruit and vegetable delivery truck. The impact caused the delivery truck to overturn on the roadway, while the pickup ended up off the pavement. An elderly person was taken to the hospital, and southbound traffic was closed during recovery operations.

Minutes later, before the Calica bridge, the operator of a concrete mixer reportedly lost control—possibly after falling asleep—crossed into the opposite lane, and overturned, blocking both directions of travel. Although the driver escaped injury, this second crash worsened the traffic congestion.

Federal authorities opened the shoulder to allow partial vehicle passage while National Guard personnel supervised efforts to restore traffic flow on this busy artery.

Officials urged drivers to exercise caution, respect speed limits, follow operational personnel instructions, and avoid driving while tired or under the influence of alcohol.