Tragic Route 3 Crash: 3 Dead, Child Critical Near Garayalde

A tragic multi-vehicle collision on Ruta Nacional N° 3 near Garayalde, Chubut province, has left three people dead and two injured, including a child in critical condition. The incident, which occurred Friday evening, is currently under investigation, with officials focusing on potential factors including excessive speed, frost, and freezing rain.

Fiscal jefe Cristian Olazábal confirmed to ADNSUR that the primary line of inquiry centers on the possibility of one of the vehicles involved traveling at an unsafe speed. The crash involved a Ford EcoSport and a Toyota Hilux, and the investigation is ongoing to determine the precise sequence of events and assign responsibility.

The Scene and Initial Response

The accident occurred approximately 10 kilometers south of the Garayalde police station, placing it within the jurisdiction of Comodoro Rivadavia. Authorities arrived at the scene around 8:00 PM Friday to uncover the two vehicles heavily damaged. Both occupants of the Toyota Hilux and a child from the EcoSport were transported to the Hospital Regional de Comodoro Rivadavia for medical attention. Tragically, three occupants of the EcoSport were pronounced dead at the scene.

The conditions at the time of the crash were described as challenging, with reports of frost and freezing rain contributing to hazardous driving conditions. Witnesses, primarily truck drivers, were unable to provide a clear account of the immediate moments leading up to the collision.

Speed as a Key Focus of the Investigation

A significant element of the investigation centers on the speed of the Toyota Hilux. Testimony suggests the vehicle may have been traveling at a high rate of speed prior to the impact. Olazábal indicated that this information, coupled with the distance between the initial sighting and the crash site, is a key piece of evidence. The fiscal dispuso the detention of the Hilux driver for a period of 12 hours under Article 215 of the Criminal Procedure Code, allowing time for preliminary tests, including alcohol and toxicology screenings.

Victims Identified

The three fatalities were occupants of the Ford EcoSport. They have been identified as Leandro Augusto Bría, 38, Raquel Morando, 70, and Bárbara Raquel Bría, 45. Bría was a municipal employee in the Public Works department of Rawson. Morando and Bárbara were his mother and sister, respectively. A nephew of Bría, an 11-year-old boy, remains hospitalized in intensive care with fractures to his legs, ribs, and upper limbs.

What Happens Next in the Investigation

Olazábal emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages. A thorough accident reconstruction will be crucial to establishing the events leading up to the crash. He indicated that authorities are working to gather sufficient evidence to potentially file formal charges in the coming hours. The driver of the Toyota Hilux, identified as Iván Andrés Morellato, 52, from Córdoba province, is expected to be released after the initial 12-hour detention period, but will remain subject to the investigation.

The fiscal likewise noted the assistance provided by a provincial deputy who arrived at the scene and alerted authorities. She did not witness the impact but provided aid and has already given a statement.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.