Merida, Yucatan — At least two people died late Wednesday night in a fiery crash on the Merida-Progreso highway, an area known for illegal street racing, authorities said.
A BMW X5 traveling at high speed lost control near a bridge and slammed into another vehicle, according to preliminary reports. The BMW burst into flames almost immediately.
Witnesses said the driver of the BMW was trying to catch up with other vehicles believed to be participating in illegal races. The driver managed to escape with help from motorcyclists at the scene, but the driver of the other car died on impact. A second fatality was also reported; both victims were men between 20 and 23 years old.
Emergency services, including police and paramedics, cordoned off several lanes as investigators from the State Prosecutor’s Office processed the scene.
The crash has drawn renewed attention to so-called “Wednesday street races,” a clandestine practice that has long been a concern on the Merida-Progreso highway. Residents and motorists have repeatedly called for increased police patrols and enforcement to curb dangerous driving and illegal gatherings on the road.
