Vacationers returning from Acapulco to Mexico City via the Mexico-Cuernavaca highway are facing an increasing risk. Alleged criminal groups are placing stones on the asphalt at kilometer 34 in the Topilejo area to force stops and commit robberies, according to multiple citizen reports. This stretch has become a concern during Holy Week, when thousands of families return from their tourist destinations.
According to testimonies from drivers, the attacks occur when vehicles hit the stones and suffer damage to tires, suspensions, or bodywork, forcing motorists to stop. At that moment, allegedly, the aggressors take the opportunity to approach and strip the occupants of their belongings. Some drivers opted to continue driving with the damaged vehicle instead of stopping, fearing they would be robbed.
The point at kilometer 34 of the highway, in the wooded area of Topilejo, has previously been highlighted as vulnerable due to the lack of lighting and surveillance. With thousands of people returning from vacation, the situation on the Mexico-Cuernavaca road poses a serious threat to road safety.
Recommendations for motorists returning from Holy Week vacations include avoiding travel through that stretch at night, driving cautiously, staying alert to foreign objects on the pavement, not stopping in lonely areas, seeking help at safe points or booths, and reporting any incidents to 911 or the National Guard emergency number.
A report indicated that at least eight vehicles were impacted by stones deliberately placed in that stretch in a single day. "My husband saw the stones, but he had to drive over them to avoid stopping," said Maricela Mejía, affected on her return to CDMX from Acapulco.
