The “Exremo Aeroshow” in Chihuahua, Mexico took a deadly turn on Saturday. An estimated 4,000 people looked on in horror as a monster truck that was running over cars, suddenly plunged into the audience, killing 8 and injuring 80. 8 of the injured are in critical condition. Carlos Gonzalez, a representative for the state attorney general’s office, told the Los Angeles Times that the truck’s driver was detained on negligent homicide charges.
“So far, the inspection indicates there was a mechanical failure, but we are investigating everything,” he said.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCdHfYUsoDw
There were accounts that pointed out how the driver may have been hurt or stunned as the truck came down hard after that second pass over the cars, however, according to BBC News, the driver also tested positive for alcohol.
Witnesses told reporters that it crushed several people immediately. Panic followed as people fled in all directions attempting to escape or find relatives.
Daniel Dominguez said he was watching the show with a group of relatives.
“The driver hit his head and his helmet flew off,” Mr. Dominguez said. “The truck came directly at where we were.”
Another spectator, Jesus Manuel Ibarra, said, “I fell over, and when I turned around I saw the tire very close. It hit me and threw me to the other side.”
“This terrible tragedy … has left all of us deeply troubled,” Chihuahua Gov. Javier Duarte said.
The stand that the truck careened into had no barriers to protect spectators, and has now raised inquiry into why there was minimal protection and why people were allowed to get so close to stunts.If you look at the video, you see how ridiculously close they are standing. Hopefully, these issues can be addressed so that death and injury of this magnitude won’t happen again at these kinds of events.
Image via youtube