Deputy Seeks Ban on Double-Trailers Carrying Hazardous Cargo

Following the tragic explosion of a gas tanker in Iztapalapa, which has left 28 people dead, Movimiento Ciudadano Deputy Laura Ballesteros announced a legislative initiative to restrict and gradually eliminate the use of double-trailer trucks, particularly those transporting hazardous and highly toxic substances.

On Sept. 17, Ballesteros revealed that she will present reforms to the Federal Roads, Bridges, and Motor Transport Law, with the aim of phasing out these units within five years and replacing them with safer and more sustainable transport modes such as pipelines and rail.

“If we are going to regulate to prevent deaths, road accidents and pain, we must start by eliminating double-trailers, especially those that carry hazardous substances,” says Ballesteros.

Restrictions on Urban and Highway Circulation

The proposal calls for an updated classification of highways to restrict the circulation of double-trailer trucks and hazardous cargo on routes with limited capacity, in densely populated areas, and during peak commuting hours. The deputy says that regulation must combine federal legislation with local traffic laws, ensuring coordinated control over circulation schedules, designated days, and the type of roads these vehicles may use.

Immediate restrictions would apply in urban zones to protect residents, while long-term plans involve a transition toward alternative logistics solutions. 

On Sept. 19, Ballesteros also proposed stricter controls on federal driving licenses: reducing their validity to two years, implementing rigorous operator evaluations, and increasing oversight. The initiative addresses ongoing concerns over fraudulent license management. Certifications and medical exams are sometimes sold without proper verification, says Maribel Ramírez, Movimiento Ciudadano Councilor in Benito Juarez.

“Never again a tragedy like La Concordia. Regulation is urgent to prevent deaths and catastrophic road events,” Ballesteros stressed.

Background: Iztapalapa Tragedy

On Sept. 10, a liquefied petroleum gas tanker belonging to Transportes Silza, traveling from Veracruz to Tlahuac, lost control on the Mexico–Texcoco highway while attempting to merge onto the Mexico–Puebla expressway. The vehicle collided with barriers, causing a rupture that released gas over a 180m radius. A spark ignited the cloud, resulting in a massive fire, says the latest report from Bertha Alcalde, Head, Mexico City Attorney General’s Office (FGJCDMX).

As of today, 28 people have died and three remain hospitalized. The Mexico City Prosecutor’s Office continues its investigation and will release official findings in the coming weeks.

Ballesteros calls on federal and state authorities to invest in safer infrastructure, develop alternatives for hazardous material transport, and prioritize regulation that has been pending for nearly 20 years.