Just hours before Teachers’ Day, a devastating accident cast a shadow over Mexico’s education community. Nine teachers were killed in a multi-vehicle collision on the Tehuacán-Oaxaca highway, according to state authorities.

The crash occurred on Wednesday, May 14, at kilometer 28 of the highway. It involved a direct-service bus, a tanker truck, and a pickup truck, reportedly caused by a rear-end collision. Several others were injured, though the exact number has not been confirmed.

As a result, traffic was shut down in both directions by the Federal Roads and Bridges agency (CAPUFE).

The teachers who lost their lives were:

• Layma Labastida

• Lliliana Gallardo

• Rosa Matías

• José Rodríguez

• Crimilda Matías

• Carlos Villanueva

• Maribel Ibáñez

• Ana Ramos

• Alma Martinez

Their passing marks a heartbreaking loss for the education sector and their communities.