At kilometer 83+500 of the Cuacnopalan-Oaxaca highway stands the Calapa Bridge, a place that not only stands out for its imposing architecture overlooking the Calapa River but also for a tragic history shrouded in mystery. Despite the bridge's collapse in 1994 being due to a structural failure, nearby inhabitants have woven legends about its construction and have reported paranormal phenomena.
In a story titled "Memories of the Calapa River" from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), the experience of archaeologists who participated in a rescue mission on the Cuacnopalan-Oaxaca highway in 1994 is recounted. Before starting the expedition, they faced difficulties in securing support personnel due to the fear of residents of San José Miahuatlán, who believed that supernatural forces lurked in the area.
Locals claimed that the river was inhabited by the "chamuco," a being that, according to legend, demanded the payment of 100 souls to allow the complete construction of the highway. Additionally, it was rumored that anyone who looked directly at the chamuco risked suffering misfortunes. These beliefs contributed to the Calapa Bridge being considered a cursed place by neighboring communities, where numerous accidents and inexplicable events have been recorded.
On the morning of August 22, 1994, the Calapa Bridge collapsed unexpectedly, claiming the lives of 11 people and leaving another 12 missing. The official cause of the collapse was attributed to a structural failure due to an overload, although some workers also mentioned the intense rains prior and the low quality of the materials used as possible contributing factors.
Within the area surrounding the Calapa Bridge, the Cuacnopalan-Oaxaca highway has become a risky place for drivers, with 155 accidents recorded between 2019 and 2022, resulting in the deaths of 52 people and leaving 46 injured. From January to October 2023, several fatal incidents were reported on the highway, two of the most tragic occurring near the Calapa Bridge.
Amidst the history and tragedy surrounding the Calapa Bridge, legends and stories of the place have contributed to its fame as an enigma and danger. Despite real concerns for safety in the area, both travelers and the curious continue to be drawn to this site to try to understand the mysteries that surround it.
