MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – FEBRUARY 20, 2018 A 12-year-old stole his parents’ car at home and went on a so-called joyride with his similarly aged friends. He was driving at around 150 kph (90 mph) in southern Mexico City when he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. No one in the car was wearing seat belts, so the impact had horrific consequences – torn bodies and severed heads.
Three girls and two boys, aged 12 to 14, died instantly. Three other children were taken to hospital in critical condition. One 10-year-old boy fled the scene. Ironically, the only driver identified as Luis Eduardo survived the accident and suffered only minor injuries.
The car crash sparked a giant wave of outrage in Mexico. Some blamed the driver’s parents for the teenager’s death, while others demanded that the driver be tried as an adult. But in the end, he was acquitted because of his young age.
SOME OF THE PASSENGERS:
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- Diana Cortés, 12, dead
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- Diana Reyes Martínez, 12, dead
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- Hugo de Jesús Ortega Justo, 14, injured
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- Karina Reyes Martíne, 14, injured
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- Kevin Ortega Vital, 14, dead
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- Luis Ángel Ortega Luna, 15, injured
Jovani Ortega Justo, 12, dead (no photo)
Brisa Rico Flores, 13, dead (no photo)
