A Tragic Sunday in Maipú
On the night of August 16, 2026, a severe road accident occurred in the department of Maipú, in the province of Mendoza, Argentina. At approximately 8:40 PM, a Peugeot 504 and a Volkswagen CrossFox collided head-on on Provincial Route 60, about one kilometer west of the Palmira Bypass. The impact was so violent that both vehicles were destroyed, and several occupants were trapped inside.
According to initial investigations, the Peugeot 504 reportedly entered the road from a public alley when it was struck by the CrossFox traveling along the main route. The exact causes are still under investigation, but the case has been classified as negligent homicide.
Fatal Victim
The driver of the Peugeot, identified as F.O.A., aged 48, was rushed to the Central Hospital but died either en route or upon arrival, according to authorities. His death was confirmed minutes after the crash.
Injuries and Rescue
In the Volkswagen CrossFox, there were five people. The driver, M.O.T., was taken to the Del Carmen Hospital, while the four passengers were transferred to the Perrupato and Central hospitals with varying degrees of multiple trauma.
One of the women, aged 19, had extremely serious injuries. Due to her condition, the Halcón 3 helicopter was deployed to transport her from Perrupato Hospital to Central Hospital for specialized care. Additionally, a child was urgently taken to the Notti Hospital.
Emergency Operation
The call to 911 alerted authorities to the collision and the presence of several injured people trying to exit the vehicles. Officers from Vial Police, personnel from the 61st Police Station, Municipal Traffic, Volunteer Firefighters, and teams from the Coordinated Emergency Service (SEC) arrived at the scene.
Firefighters had to intervene to control a fuel spill on the road, while preventive traffic closures were implemented at the accesses to Route 60 and the Palmira Bypass. 6 ambulances were deployed to assist the victims, and the rescue operation lasted several hours.
The investigation is in the hands of the Fiscal Office, which will determine the exact circumstances of the crash. The case has been classified as negligent homicide.
Road Context
Provincial Route 60 is a high-traffic road in the metropolitan area of Mendoza, connecting Maipú with Palmira and other localities. Accidents in this area are frequent, and local authorities have implemented speed and alcohol controls, although road safety remains a concern.
This tragic event adds to other road accidents that occurred in the province over the weekend, reinforcing the call for responsible driving and respect for traffic rules.