A heavy snowstorm and a multi-vehicle accident left two bus drivers and a coordinator from Sol Bus stranded on a mountain road in Mendoza, Argentina. While passengers were evacuated in time, the crew spent the night at -20°C, burning fuel to survive. Authorities are working to reopen the route, which remains closed.

A Winter Weekend Turned Emergency

On Sunday, August 9, 2026, a powerful snowstorm and a multi-vehicle accident on Provincial Route 222—the road leading to the Las Leñas ski resort—triggered an extreme emergency in the mountains of Mendoza, Argentina. From 7:00 PM, two buses from the company Sol Bus were trapped in the area known as Cuesta del Infernillo and Cañada Ancha.

The company acted quickly, evacuating all passengers to Mendoza and San Luis before the snow compacted into ice. However, two drivers and a coordinator remained stranded, facing temperatures of -20°C.

Survival in the Mountains: The Drivers' Story

Felipe, one of the drivers, told local media that the bus slid on its own while they were trying to put on chains. "The vehicle skidded and moved about 30 meters. We were scared for the passengers," he explained.

To stay alive through the night, the crew had to periodically start the bus engine to heat the cabin, burning fuel. They managed to keep in touch with the outside world using the vehicle's Wi-Fi. Verónica Escudero, a Sol Bus coordinator, denounced the lack of official response during the night: "Vialidad (the road authority) isn't answering us... it's the lives of two colleagues." Fortunately, the coordinator who was with them was evacuated later.

Route 222 Completely Closed

Vialidad Mendoza ordered a total and temporary closure of the ascent to Los Molles and Las Leñas due to ice on the road and the multi-vehicle accident. No reopening time has been announced.

Weather Alert

The National Meteorological Service (SMN) issued a yellow alert for snowfall and extreme cold for Monday, August 10. Expect 15 to 25 cm of snow and southern winds.

Cristo Redentor Pass Also Closed

The situation on Route 222 adds to a complex scenario in the high mountains. The Cristo Redentor Pass remains closed due to strong winds between 100 and 160 km/h and snowfall that prevents safe transit to Chile.

Impact on Education and Recommendations

Due to the cold wave, the General Directorate of Schools (DGE) of Mendoza suspended in-person classes for the morning shift on Monday, August 10, in Tunuyán, Tupungato, San Carlos, Malargüe, San Rafael, Cacheuta, Potrerillos, Uspallata, and Alta Montaña. Learning will continue through the Escuela Digital Mendoza platform.

Driver Recommendations

  • Mandatory snow chains: On RP 222 and other mountain routes throughout the winter season.
  • Respect signage: Do not attempt to drive up to Las Leñas while the closure is in effect.
  • Official information: Check Vialidad's reports before any trip to the Andes.

Sources: Cadena 3, Los Andes, and Diario Mendoza.