Four dead in truck‑Ford crash on Route 9 near Agua Azul, Leales, Argentina

In the early hours of 20 June, a Mercedes‑Benz truck hauling sugarcane, driven by 45‑year‑old Cristian José Beltrán, entered Route 9 near the kilometre‑1.251 marker in Agua Azul, Leales. While attempting the maneuver, the truck was struck from behind on its left rear by a Ford Ka driven by 57‑year‑old Daniel Alberto Díaz. The impact killed Díaz and his three passengers – Sandra Isabel Ligios (59), Macarena Russo Ligios (31) and their 7‑year‑old daughter.

The crash is being investigated by the Unidad Fiscal de Homicidios II. Prosecutors have filed a charge of aggravated involuntary homicide against Beltrán for reckless and non‑compliant driving that led to multiple fatalities. He was taken into custody, and a six‑month set of conduct restrictions has been imposed while the case proceeds.