23/06/2026 21:18 - Actualidad
The afternoon of Sunday June 22, 2026, just past 7 PM, turned into a nightmare for dozens of families and tourists in Mar del Plata, Argentina's most famous beach resort city located about 400 km (250 miles) south of Buenos Aires. A bus from line 532 mysteriously lost control and mounted the sidewalk in front of the Bristol Skatepark, located at the intersection of Boulevard Marítimo and Rivadavia, one of the busiest areas of this coastal city.
The impact was devastating. Guadalupe Merlos, a young woman of only 18 years old, lost her life at the scene. Another six people were injured and urgently transferred to the Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos (HIGA), the main public hospital in Mar del Plata.
Guadalupe Merlos was only 18 years old, and her death shocked the local community. Authorities have not released further details about her identity until family notification is complete.
An autopsy was scheduled for Monday, June 23 at 2:00 PM to precisely determine the causes of death.
A new medical report is expected on June 23 at 9:30 AM.
Prosecutor Germán Vera Tapia, head of Prosecutor's Office N°11 for Negligent Crimes, immediately launched an investigation to clarify the causes of the accident. The case has been classified as negligent homicide and negligent injuries.
According to preliminary investigations, there is suspicion of a possible mechanical failure in the steering or braking system of the bus. The driver, who was held at the Casino Sub-Police Station for his protection, underwent a breathalyzer test which came back negative.
A mechanical inspection of the vehicle has been scheduled for Friday, June 26 at 9:00 AM, where specialists will determine if there were technical failures that could have caused the loss of control.
An impressive emergency operation was immediately deployed, including:
Mar del Plata is Argentina's premier beach destination, known as the Happy City (La Feliz), attracting millions of visitors each summer. The Bristol Skatepark is a popular recreational spot located along the coastal boulevard, where locals and tourists gather to enjoy sports and outdoor activities.
Public transportation in Argentina relies heavily on buses called colectivos, which connect neighborhoods throughout cities. Line 532 operates within Mar del Plata, serving local residents and visitors.
The community of Mar del Plata and tourists enjoying the Sunday afternoon were deeply moved by the tragedy. Authorities are working to determine if the accident was caused by mechanical failure or if there was any negligence involved. The families of the victims await the results of the inspections and the medical reports of the injured.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
