A 52-year-old man died Tuesday, March 3, 2026, after a three-vehicle collision on Provincial Route 30 near Chivilcoy, Argentina, authorities said. The crash, which also injured multiple people, involved a 14-year-old driver who allegedly took the vehicle without permission.
According to police, the incident began when a Volkswagen Gol Trend driven by the teenager veered off the road, “bit the shoulder,” and crossed into oncoming traffic. The vehicle then collided head-on with a Volkswagen Gol driven by Rodolfo Marcelo López, 52, of Rawson. A third vehicle, a Volkswagen Amarok, subsequently collided with the wreckage.
López died at the scene. His passenger, Eliana Orellanos, sustained injuries and was transported to Chivilcoy Municipal Hospital, where she remains under medical observation. The 14-year-old driver of the Gol Trend was accompanied by two other teenagers, ages 14 and 16, who were also injured and hospitalized. One of the 14-year-olds has since been released from the hospital, according to police.
“The Fiscal minoril that intervenes in the case has not taken a statement from the minor who was driving one of the vehicles involved, due to the fact that he is hospitalized in the Municipal Hospital,” said Police Chief Miguel Angel Costa.
The impact was severe enough to detach the engine from the Gol Trend, sending it several meters from the point of impact. The accident prompted a partial closure of Route 30 for several hours as emergency crews worked to rescue those involved and investigate the scene.
The tragedy has deeply affected the community of Rawson, where López was well-known and respected. He is survived by his 11-year-old daughter, Sara. A wake was held Wednesday at the Quevedo Company, followed by a funeral procession to the local cemetery.
The incident has renewed concerns about road safety and the supervision of underage drivers. Route 30 has a history of serious accidents, prompting calls for increased safety measures. The case highlights the dangers of unauthorized vehicle use and the potential consequences of allowing minors to operate motor vehicles.
The investigation into the cause of the crash and potential responsibility is ongoing.
