The circulation in both directions of the Tepic bypass was restored after a security operation deployed by state and federal authorities. The blockade by sugarcane workers demanding the release of one of their colleagues, linked to a traffic accident in which a cyclist died, lasted several hours and affected mobility on federal highway 15 Tepic-Guadalajara, in the Bonaterra subdivision.
According to the protesters, the driver involved in the accident did not attempt to flee and cooperated with the authorities from the beginning. They claim that tests detected no alcohol or other substances in his system and assert that there are videos indicating that it was the cyclist who invaded the lane. The family of the deceased granted forgiveness, but Judge Wendy Karime refuses to accept the settlement agreement, they reported.
The operation involved members of the State Police, personnel from the National Guard, the Mexican Army, and the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport. During the blockade, there were tensions between truck drivers and sugarcane workers because some truckers tried to force their way through, while the sugarcane workers disconnected the hoses from the cooling system of a unit in response.
In the midst of the operation, official vehicles and patrols removed one of the traffic barriers, leading the sugarcane workers to decide to release the bypass as they felt surrounded. Despite this, blockades continue on other important roads in Tepic, such as Colosio Avenue and the Aguamilpa area, which continues to affect local traffic. During the day, a family got out of their truck and abandoned the vehicle amidst the protest, later receiving assistance from authorities to continue their journey. Although no arrests or injuries have been reported so far, security and mobility monitoring remains in place to prevent new confrontations.
