PUEBLA, Mexico – Armed criminals targeted and robbed multiple families of their vehicles during a massive heist on the Puebla-Orizaba highway last Friday afternoon. The incident, which occurred in a heavily fog-covered area near the Cumbres de Maltrata section, has sparked significant concern regarding safety on one of the region’s primary transit corridors.

According to preliminary reports and social media footage, the robbery took place on Friday, October 23, between the towns of Ciudad Mendoza and Esperanza. Witnesses state that the perpetrators used firearms to intimidate travelers, successfully seizing the vehicles of at least four families.

The chaos of the scene was captured in a video shared on social media, showing vehicles swerving and some drivers attempting to reverse into oncoming traffic to escape the armed group. In the footage, a family traveling with a minor was heard reacting in terror as gunshots rang out. The woman in the vehicle was seen instructing the child to stay low to the ground to avoid potential fire, while other passengers attempted to contact emergency services via the 911 system.

While several cars were stolen, the bandits were unsuccessful in stopping a bus belonging to the ADO transportation line. The bus operator reportedly managed to maintain his speed and continue his journey without being intercepted.

The incident has drawn criticism from local users who reported significant delays in the arrival of security forces, despite multiple emergency calls being placed. As of now, local authorities have not released an official statement, and it remains unclear whether the affected families received immediate assistance from highway security or the CAPUFE (Federal Highways Commission).