Truck hits religious procession in Mexico, 16 dead, 30 hurt

Some 200 people were taking part in a religious procession on the main street of the town of Mazapil in Zacatecas state when the truck ran into them in the late afternoon.

Santoyo Castro said the causes of the accident were yet to be determined, adding that it was not confirmed if the driver had fled the scene or was among the dead or injured. An investigation is under way. In February, a collision between a bus and a freight train killed 16 people and left 22 injured at a crossing in northern Mexico, the Independent reported.

“He has been identified and we are searching for him”, she said. The truck was registered property of a company called Industrial Construction and Transportation. Participants often walk on roads to local shrines. A red pick-up truck is stopped in front of it.

A police auto and an ambulance had been escorting the pilgrims during the procession. “These are normally celebration days and the church is empty”, said Cecilia, who declined to give her full name. It slammed into a pedestrian procession of local Catholics.

People go on pilgrimages by foot, bicycle or auto.

Numerous victims of Wednesday’s accident came from other towns.