A new road tragedy has shaken Argentina's northwest. A 58-year-old woman lost her life and four other people were injured after the Toyota SW4 they were traveling in skidded off the road and plunged approximately 80 meters (262 feet) down a steep ravine on the Cuesta de Lipán, in the province of Jujuy.
How the Accident Happened
The incident occurred around 4:30 PM on Sunday, August 16, at kilometer 30 of Route 52, heading south-to-north. This mountain corridor connects the Quebrada de Humahuaca—a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its colorful hills—with the high-altitude Puna region. According to initial reports, the driver lost control of the vehicle for reasons still under investigation, and the SUV tumbled down the nearly vertical slope.
There were five people in the vehicle. When rescue teams arrived, they found one occupant already dead: a 58-year-old woman from Buenos Aires province, who died from the severe injuries sustained during the fall.
The Injured and the Rescue Operation
The other four occupants were rescued and taken to the Pablo Soria Hospital in San Salvador de Jujuy, the provincial capital, where they received medical attention. Local media reported that one survivor, the partner of the deceased woman, remained hospitalized in serious condition due to the severity of his injuries.
The rescue operation involved firefighters, police from Regional Unit 3, SAME emergency teams, and other first responders, who worked for hours due to the difficult terrain and the depth of the ravine. The force of the impact and the steepness of the cliff complicated the rescue efforts.
Investigation Underway
The prosecutor's office has ordered a series of forensic examinations to determine what caused the driver to lose control. Investigators will analyze the vehicle's mechanical condition, the state of the road, and reconstruct the sequence of events to establish whether a mechanical failure, human error, or weather conditions played a role.
Crime scene investigators worked at the site to collect evidence.
The Cuesta de Lipán: A Stunning Yet Dangerous Landscape
The Cuesta de Lipán is one of the most iconic stretches of road in northern Argentina. It is part of Route 52 and is the必经之路 for travelers heading to Purmamarca and the famous Salinas Grandes salt flats, continuing toward the Paso de Jama border crossing with Chile. The road winds through a breathtaking landscape of cacti, vicuñas, and multi-colored rock formations.
The route is characterized by its sharp curves, steep gradients, and an elevation change of nearly 2,000 meters (6,560 feet): from Purmamarca, at about 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level, the road climbs to the Abra de Potrerillos pass at 4,170 meters (13,680 feet) over a distance of about 40 kilometers (25 miles). Although fully paved, driving conditions are demanding, and authorities recommend moderate speeds, safe following distances, and extra caution, especially on descents.
Second Fatal Accident in Less Than a Month
This tragedy is the second fatal accident on the Cuesta de Lipán in less than a month. On July 27, a car carrying a family veered off the road in the same area, and an 11-year-old child died at the scene. That family was from Ezeiza, Buenos Aires province.
Local authorities have renewed their calls for caution on this high-mountain corridor, especially on weekends and holidays when tourist traffic increases.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Date: Sunday, August 16
- Time: Approximately 4:30 PM
- Location: Km 30, Route 52, Cuesta de Lipán, Jujuy
- Vehicle: Toyota SW4
- Victim: 58-year-old woman from Buenos Aires province
- Injured: 4 people, one in serious condition
- Drop: Approximately 80 meters