A Mendoza refrigerated truck overturned in Argentina, leading to attempted looting.
A serious traffic accident in Mendoza, Argentina , led to an unexpected moment of social tension. A refrigerated truck transporting meat from Mendoza fell off a bridge in Guaymallén after colliding with a van transporting ice cream. The accident, which occurred at noon on Monday on Route 7, resulted in the driver being injured, a major police operation, and neighbors attempting to remove the merchandise.
The accident and the rescue of the driver
According to witnesses, the collision occurred when the SUV collided with the truck, causing the truck's driver to lose control. The Mendoza refrigerated truck plummeted from a height of approximately five meters, leaving the trailer across the road and the cab destroyed.
The driver was trapped between the twisted metal beams. Civil Defense personnel worked with hydraulic tools to free him. After several minutes of maneuvering, he was rescued and taken to the hospital, along with one of the vehicle's occupants. Both were diagnosed with minor injuries and remain out of danger, according to local authorities .
Neighbors tried to loot the meat
The accident scene quickly attracted the attention of passersby and neighborhood residents. Seeing the meat scattered on the road, several people tried to cut it into pieces and carry it away. In a matter of minutes, what was supposed to be a traffic accident turned into an attempted looting.
Mendoza Police arrived at the scene and dispersed the crowd with tear gas and rubber bullets. According to reports, no arrests were made, although several people were identified as participating in the attempted robbery.
Security operation and street closure
To control the situation, the Prefecture and police officers mounted a large-scale operation in the area. The priority was to remove the cargo, secure the area, and prevent the crowd from approaching again.
Cañadita Alegre Street remained closed for several hours, causing traffic complications at the entrance to Guaymallén. Traffic was only restored in the afternoon, after the roadway was cleared and the Mendoza refrigerated truck was removed.
Social debate after the event
The incident not only produced images of a shocking accident, but also sparked a social debate. Many Argentine media outlets highlighted the haste with which some residents attempted to seize the meat, sparking discussions about the economic crisis and the lack of social support.
On social media, users were divided: some condemned the incident as an act of vandalism, while others linked it directly to the plight of many families.
A witness told the local press: "People didn't think about the danger or the filth. They just wanted to take something home ." These scenes are reminiscent of other episodes of failed looting reported in various Argentine provinces in recent years.
Research and responsibilities
The Mendoza Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation to determine the exact causes of the crash. Mechanical examinations of both the Mendoza refrigerated truck and the utility vehicle are expected to be conducted in the coming days, in addition to taking statements from the drivers.
For the moment, several hypotheses have not been ruled out: from reckless maneuvering to technical failure in one of the vehicles. The truth is that the accident could have resulted in a greater tragedy if there had been more traffic in the area at the time of the rollover.
Road safety in Mendoza under scrutiny
The accident involving the refrigerated truck in Mendoza once again highlighted the difficulties the province faces with regard to traffic and control on national routes. Route 7, where the accident occurred, is one of Argentina's most important corridors, connecting with Chile via the Cristo Redentor international pass.
Road safety specialists point out that, in addition to heavy traffic, infrastructure and signage are often insufficient to prevent accidents of this magnitude. According to official data, dozens of road accidents involving trucks are reported in Mendoza each year, several of them with fatal consequences.
This new episode reopens the debate on the need to strengthen controls and improve driver training, in a context where food and refrigerated goods logistics are key to the regional economy.
