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Caracas, Venezuela: A devastating 17-vehicle pile-up on the Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho highway, connecting Caracas with the eastern part of the country, resulted in at least 16 fatalities and six serious injuries, according to the country’s fire chief Juan Gonzalez.
Earlier reports by Carlos Perez Ampueda, the deputy minister for risk management and civil protection, had indicated eight fatalities, but he warned that the number was expected to “increase significantly.”
The fatal incident unfolded when a speeding truck collided with multiple cars, causing a fiery spectacle that engulfed the vehicles. Images of the massive flames circulated widely on social media, depicting the intensity of the crash.
“We have control of all the vehicles that were on fire,” stated Perez Ampueda, who confirmed that a bus was among the vehicles completely consumed by the flames.
Rescue efforts and investigations are underway as authorities work to understand the full scope of the tragedy and provide support to the victims and their families. The aftermath of this devastating highway collision serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with road safety in the region.
