A devastating head-on collision on the Duarte Highway Sunday night resulted in four fatalities and left one minor injured, according to official reports from the General Directorate of Traffic Safety and Land Transportation (DIGESETT). The tragic incident occurred on the stretch of road between Bonao and Santo Domingo, specifically past the Falconbridge entrance near La Minita in the Ingenio community.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the driver of a Lexus SUV, traveling from Santo Domingo toward the Cibao region, suddenly lost control of the vehicle. The SUV veered into the oncoming lane, resulting in a catastrophic frontal impact with a passenger car carrying five occupants from Cotuí. The car carried three adults and two minors, all residents of the Cotuí area.
The immediate aftermath of the collision proved fatal for four of the five occupants in the passenger vehicle. Emergency responders confirmed that one child survived the crash with injuries but has been reported to be out of immediate danger. The three individuals traveling in the Lexus SUV emerged from the incident without physical harm.
A multi-agency response was swiftly coordinated following the accident. Units from the National Emergency and Security System 9-1-1, DIGESETT traffic agents, and local firefighters arrived at the scene to provide emergency medical assistance, manage traffic flow, and conduct preliminary on-site investigations. The crash has sent shockwaves through the close-knit community of Cotuí, where the deceased victims resided.
Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise factors that contributed to the loss of vehicle control and the subsequent collision. Investigators are examining all potential causes, including road conditions, vehicle mechanical failure, and driver error.