Twelve people lost their lives and four others were injured in northern Mexico when a van plunged into a ravine and caught fire, igniting a nearby forest.
The incident occurred in Nuevo Leon, a state adjacent to the U.S. and a short distance from its capital, Monterrey.
David de la Peña, the mayor of Santiago, stated in a video message that the accident seemed to result from a mechanical failure in the vehicle. The van, which fell nearly 120 meters (394 feet) into the ravine, was carrying 16 people, although there was no immediate information regarding the passengers' origins or whether the count included the driver.
While some fatalities occurred at the scene, others were transported to a hospital where they later succumbed to their injuries.
Authorities released images showing smoke billowing from a dry forest due to the rapidly spreading fire, with a helicopter deployed to assist in firefighting efforts.
State officials estimated that approximately two hectares were scorched before the fire was brought under control.
This tragic accident adds to a series of road incidents that have resulted in high death tolls. Earlier this month, several individuals died in southern Mexico when a bus flipped over, and last month, another bus collided with a truck in the same region. Additionally, a serious bus crash occurred late last year in central Mexico.