Fatal Accident in General La Madrid: Driver is Facing Charges After Tragedy

The community of General La Madrid is reeling after a devastating bus accident on Route 51, leaving five dead and 25 injured. Daniel Alejandro Pereyra, the driver of the bus, is now facing serious legal repercussions, being detained and formally charged. According to ámbito.com (n.d.), Pereyra is being charged with aggravated manslaughter and negligent injury, a devastating turn of events following the tragedy.

The Incident Unfolds

The accident occurred at the intersection of Routes 51 and 76, involving a bus carrying 33 passengers en route from Bahía Blanca to La Plata. Emergency services were alerted around 6 a.m. on Sunday following reports of the bus veering off course and overturning. The scene was chaotic, with first responders, including volunteer firefighters, SAME personnel, and police, working diligently to rescue and assist the injured.

Eyewitness Account

The horror of the accident is being painted vividly by survivors. One passenger, speaking to Crónica (as cited in ámbito.com, n.d.), recounted the terrifying moments leading up to the crash: «I was dozing off, but I felt we were going very fast. Suddenly, the bus overturned, and I was thrown out. I landed in the grass, in the mud. My arm is broken in three places.» This chilling testimony highlights the potential negligence that is now under investigation.

Legal Proceedings Underway

Daniel Alejandro Pereyra is currently in custody, with the case being handled by UFI N°7, under the direction of prosecutor Christian Urlezaga of the Judicial Department of Azul. Urlezaga is expected to question Pereyra in the coming hours, seeking to determine the precise circumstances that led to the fatal crash. ámbito.com (n.d.) reports that the charges against Pereyra are serious, reflecting the gravity of the consequences.

Aftermath and Community Response

The aftermath of the accident is placing a significant strain on local resources. Martín Randazzo, the mayor of General La Madrid, has provided updates on the condition of the injured. «In the La Madrid hospital, there are only 9 people still hospitalized,» he stated. «There are two in intensive care: a 54-year-old man, who is hypertensive and obese and remains intubated with a pulmonary contusion, and a 74-year-old grandmother with chest trauma, pulmonary contusion, and rib fractures. The drivers of the vehicle were unharmed.» (ámbito.com, n.d.).

Victims and Casualties

The accident claimed the lives of five individuals, including two men and two women whose identities have not yet been released. A fifth victim was trapped within the wreckage of the bus. Of the injured, ten remain hospitalized at the Dr. Mariano Etchegaray Municipal Hospital in General La Madrid, while four have been transferred to Laprida and two to Olavarría due to the severity of their injuries.

Investigation and Potential Negligence

Authorities have launched a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident, which has been classified as «manslaughter and negligent injury.» Adding another layer of complexity, La Opinión Austral (as cited in ámbito.com, n.d.) reports that the bus was allegedly slated for replacement prior to the journey due to substandard conditions.

Allegations of Non-Compliance

According to La Opinión Austral (as cited in ámbito.com, n.d.), two passengers who boarded in Caleta Olivia had purchased tickets for a «coche cama» (sleeper bus), but were instead placed on a regular bus. A planned replacement in Viedma or Bahía Blanca reportedly never materialized, raising serious questions about potential negligence on the part of the bus company.

This tragic event is sending shockwaves through General La Madrid and beyond, prompting a serious examination of bus safety regulations and practices. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families while seeking justice for those who lost their lives.

Ongoing Support and Resources

The community is coming together to offer support to those affected by the accident. Counseling services and financial assistance are being made available to the victims and their families. The local government is also working to ensure that all necessary resources are in place to aid in the recovery process.

  • Counseling services are available at the Municipal Hospital.
  • Financial assistance is being coordinated through the Mayor's office.
  • Donations of essential items are being accepted at the local community center.

The Road Ahead

As General La Madrid mourns the loss of life and supports the injured, the investigation into the bus accident will continue to unfold. The focus will be on determining the exact cause of the accident and holding those responsible accountable. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for stringent regulations to protect passengers.

References

ámbito.com. (n.d.). Accidente fatal en General La Madrid: detuvieron e imputaron al chofer. Retrieved from https://www.ambito.com/informacion-general/accidente-fatal-general-la-madrid-detuvieron-e-imputaron-al-chofer-n6132046