A State Police officer lost his life in a serious accident on the Mexico-Puebla highway, after the patrol car he was traveling in crashed into a pillar on the second level and subsequently caught fire. According to official reports, the incident occurred early Tuesday morning in the auxiliary junction of San Jerónimo Caleras, heading towards the stadium area, while the officer was on patrol duty.
The impact with the structure caused the official vehicle to burst into flames almost immediately, preventing the officer from being rescued alive. Witnesses reported a column of smoke visible from different parts of the city. The patrol car was completely incinerated, while emergency services rushed to the scene to extinguish the fire and cordon off the area.
The State Public Security Secretariat confirmed that the deceased officer was identified as Valentín Gerardo Martínez Valencia, who died in the line of duty during a patrol. In a statement, the department lamented the death and highlighted the officer's work, discipline, and commitment.
The accident caused the total closure of the Mexico-Puebla highway for several hours while forensic work was carried out and the wrecked vehicle was removed. Traffic was gradually restored, although with disruptions in the area.
To date, authorities have not confirmed the exact cause of the crash; however, preliminary versions suggest that another vehicle may have been involved. Investigations are ongoing to determine responsibility.
