Mexico truck accident kills 23 pilgrims

Mexico truck accident kills 23 pilgrims
# 30 July 2015 21:27 (UTC +04:00)

The deadly incident occurred on Wednesday on the main road in the town of Mazapil in the state of Zacatecas.

"We have a total of 23 dead, including 11 men, 12 women and a minor (girl) who was one year and two months old," Zacatecas chief prosecutor Leticia Catalina Soto Acosta told the Televisa channel.

Nearly 200 pilgrims were taking part in the spiritual procession at the small town of only 16,000 residents.

The driver of the dump truck, which was reportedly hauling a load of construction material, fled the scene following the tragedy, according to local press reports. Investigators have been dispatched to the site of the accident.

A police vehicle and an ambulance were escorting the pilgrims during the religious event.

Catholics in the Central American nation have been participating in a pilgrimage to the San Gregorio Magno church in Mazapil since Sunday as part of a celebration for the patron saint.

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THE OPERATION IS BEING PERFORMED