At least 10 Cuban migrants have died after a truck carrying them through Mexico overturned, according to Mexican officials.
The incident occurred near the city of Nuevo Laredo in northern Mexico on Tuesday morning. According to police, the truck was carrying a total of 20 people, both Mexican and Cuban. The truck was allegedly heading to the US border.
Mexico’s National Immigration Institute (INM) announced that 10 people died as a result of the accident and seven more were injured. According to INM, the truck was carrying 18 adults and two minors without the required travel permits to leave Mexico. The driver, who is a Mexican citizen, was among the injured and is being treated at a local hospital.
The agency said in a statement that they are investigating the incident and will determine if there was any negligence by the driver or those responsible for transporting the passengers.
This tragic incident follows an influx of Cuban migrants attempting to reach the US border via Mexico. Analysts estimate that the number of Cuban migrants, irregular or otherwise, has increased significantly in the past year.
The Cuban government has tightened restrictions on its citizens’ freedom of movement, so many have tried to flee the island by sea, land or air. The majority of the migrants have crossed into Mexico, where the new restrictions don’t apply, then attempted to reach the US border.
Despite their motivations, the risks of such a journey can be very high. This latest incident is very tragic and it serves as a reminder of how dangerous it can be for Cuban migrants.