Neuquén resident dies after mud blocks emergency vehicles

A resident of Las Cortaderas in northern Neuquén died on Friday afternoon after heavy rains and mud rendered rural roads impassable, preventing medical assistance from reaching him in time.

Emergency responders, including health personnel and police from Las Coloradas, attempted to reach the victim's home around 4:00 PM. However, the ambulance and a supporting police vehicle became stuck in deep mud and clay on Provincial Route 7. A second ambulance was dispatched to assist, but it also became stranded, necessitating a nighttime rescue operation.

Local residents attempted to assist with four-wheel-drive vehicles, but the delays resulted in the resident's death. The rescue operation eventually involved municipal workers, police, and EPEN personnel, who used backhoes and heavy-duty vehicles to free the trapped emergency units.