A Tragic Sunday on Route 60
On Sunday, August 16, 2026, at approximately 8:30 PM, a road accident shook the town of Maipú, in the province of Mendoza, Argentina. At the intersection of Piperbo Alley and Provincial Route 60, about one kilometer west of the Variante Palmira, a Peugeot 504 and a Volkswagen T-Cross collided head-on.
According to initial investigations, the T-Cross was traveling westbound on the route when, during a passing maneuver, it struck the Peugeot 504, which was entering the roadway from a public alley and turning east. The force of the impact left occupants of both vehicles with injuries of varying severity.
The Fatal Victim: A Beloved Referee
The driver of the Peugeot 504 was identified as Oscar Aníbal Fernández Mercau, 48 years old, a local resident and soccer referee who officiated in amateur tournaments in the eastern zone. His death caused deep shock in the local sports community.
Fernández Mercau was assisted at the scene and rushed to Hospital Central, but died during transport due to the severity of his injuries from the collision.
The Discovery of a Gun
During post-accident procedures, Highway Patrol officers found a Bersa Thunder .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol inside the Peugeot 504. The weapon was seized and placed at the disposal of the courts for the corresponding forensic examinations.
The investigation is being handled by the Maipú Fiscal Office, under the classification of negligent homicide investigation.
Medical Report of the Five Injured
The five people traveling in the Volkswagen T-Cross were injured and taken to different healthcare centers in the province. According to the official medical report:
| Patient | Age | Injuries | Healthcare Center |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.O.T. | 52 years | Multiple trauma | Lagomaggiore Hospital (stable and conscious) |
| F.B. | 42 years | Severe head trauma with loss of consciousness | Intensive Care Unit at El Carmen Hospital |
| R.M.T. | 19 years | Severe multiple trauma | Operating room at Hospital Central |
| J.M.T. | 20 years | Severe multiple trauma | Operating room at Hospital Central |
| A.T. | 54 years | Tibia and fibula fracture, and lower jaw fracture | Intensive Care Unit at Perrupato Hospital |
The 19-year-old woman was in extremely critical condition and was transported by the Halcón 3 medical helicopter from Perrupato Hospital to Hospital Central to receive specialized care.
A Large-Scale Emergency Operation
The accident mobilized a large rescue operation. Officers from the Highway Patrol, personnel from Precinct 61, Municipal Traffic agents, Volunteer Firefighters, and professionals from the Coordinated Emergency Service (SEC) worked at the scene. 6 ambulances were dispatched to assist the victims.
Firefighters had to control a fuel spill on the roadway to prevent further danger, while preventive roadblocks were set up at the access points to Route 60 and Variante Palmira.
The case has been classified as negligent homicide and legal proceedings are being handled by the Maipú Fiscal Office.