Two bus drivers from the company Sol Bus remain trapped on Provincial Route 222, near Las Leñas, Mendoza, facing temperatures as low as -20°C. After a snowstorm and a multi-vehicle accident, passengers were evacuated, but the drivers had to stay behind, burning fuel to survive.

The Dramatic Story of Drivers Trapped in the Mountains

Mendoza, August 10, 2026. A heavy snowstorm and a multi-vehicle accident on Provincial Route 222, heading toward Los Molles and Las Leñas, left two drivers and a coordinator from the company Sol Bus completely stranded in the middle of the Andes mountain range since 7:00 PM on Sunday, August 9.

The situation is critical: the workers are facing temperatures as low as 20 degrees below zero. Felipe, one of the drivers, told his story via the bus's Wi-Fi signal, explaining how the vehicle began to slide while they were trying to put on tire chains. “The bus slid by itself on a slope, we weren't moving, we were putting on chains”, he said, recounting that the vehicle moved about 30 meters, causing fear among the passengers.

Given the danger of the snow compacting and turning to ice, the company prioritized evacuating all passengers, who were first transferred to Mendoza and then to San Luis. The coordinator accompanying the drivers was also evacuated later, but the two drivers had to stay with the bus.

Survival in the Snow and Calls for Help

To withstand the extreme cold, the drivers periodically turn on the bus engine, burning fuel to keep warm, and stay in communication thanks to the vehicle's Wi-Fi. Verónica Escudero, travel coordinator for Sol Bus, made a strong complaint about the lack of official assistance.

“Highway authorities are not responding… it's the lives of two of our company's colleagues. Since 2 AM there has been no movement to help them”, Escudero denounced, pointing out the absence of police and highway personnel in the El Infiernillo and Cañada Ancha area.

Behind the Sol Bus vehicles, a long line of vehicles formed, including motorhomes and private cars that were also trapped by the bottleneck caused by ice and the accident. Mendoza's Highway Department ordered a total and temporary closure of the route until road conditions are restored.

Context of the Climate Crisis

  • Cristo Redentor Pass: Preventively closed due to winds between 100 and 160 km/h and snowfall in the high mountains.
  • Classes suspended: Mendoza's DGE (General Directorate of Schools) suspended in-person classes for the morning and afternoon shifts in Malargüe, San Rafael, Tunuyán, Tupungato, San Carlos, Cacheuta, Potrerillos, Uspallata, and Alta Montaña.
  • Weather alert: The National Meteorological Service (SMN) issued a yellow alert with accumulations of 15 to 25 cm of snow and extreme cold.

Recommendations

Authorities recommend not attempting to travel toward Las Leñas and remind that carrying tire chains is mandatory on Mendoza's mountain routes.