The “Hole” Truth about Mexico City

Ah, Mexico City—a sprawling metropolis of culture, history, and, let’s not forget, an obstacle course of epic proportions. Forget the pyramids of Teotihuacán; the real marvels here are the potholes, cracks, and ditches that grace every street and sidewalk. Who needs warning signs when you can have a surprise adventure every time you step outside?

Sidewalks in Mexico City are less about walking and more about navigating a minefield. Cracks and ditches appear out of nowhere, as if the ground itself is playing a cruel joke. And don’t even get me started on the roads. Potholes here aren’t just nuisances—they’re craters that could swallow a small car. Drivers have perfected the art of swerving like they’re in a Formula 1 race, all to avoid the abyss.

But it’s not all fun and games. In 2021, a tragic incident highlighted the city’s infrastructure woes when a man fell into an unmarked hole in the Iztapalapa borough and lost his life. His story is a grim reminder that these hazards are more than just inconveniences—they’re life-threatening.

On November 17, 2022, the tragedy of the two sisters who died after falling into an uncovered manhole located over the pedestrian crossing at Río de la Piedad and Añil streets in the Granjas México Poniente neighborhood, Iztacalco borough, while on their way to a concert by artist Zoé, could have been avoided with a simple warning sign.

Of course, the city’s response to these issues is nothing short of inspiring. By “inspiring,” I mean inspiring frustration. Temporary fixes like filling potholes with gravel or placing a random cone nearby are the norm. Long-term solutions? Well, those seem to be as elusive as a smooth stretch of road.

The question at this point is: What are the authorities of the Mexico City government doing to solve this serious problem?

So remember, next time you’re in Mexico City, don’t forget to look down. Not for the beauty of the cobblestones, but to avoid becoming the next victim of the city’s infamous holes. After all, who needs safety when you have suspense?

Walk with extreme caution, assessing the street you are about to walk over, and even in the most expensive neighborhoods, look down at all times! Streets are incredibly unsafe and dangerous at levels that are unknown to American standards. In the USA, these holes would make a plaintiff a millionaire … but down in Mexico, an injured uninsured victim without the ability to claim swat.

The Mexico City Post