Police confirmed on April 10 the identity of the man who died in an accident on National Route 66, near the entrance to the Industrial Park. The incident took place in a high-traffic area during early morning hours.
The case has drawn attention to road safety concerns for pedestrians in that section, as residents expressed shock and called for better infrastructure.
Authorities identified the victim as Miguel Ángel Vilte, age 65. Known locally as “profe Vilte,” he was recognized both as a teacher and disc jockey in Palpalá. A witness said he spoke briefly with Vilte before the collision: “Le dije que tenga cuidado porque los autos venían rápido. Parece que no conocía el lugar,” the witness said.
The accident occurred around 7:20 a.m., when visibility was low due to darkness, fog, and light rain. The same witness noted that Vilte appeared to be limping, which may have slowed his crossing at a critical moment.
The driver of a Grand Cherokee involved gave his account shortly after: “Yo venía por el carril izquierdo y de golpe sentí un golpe y no sabía ni qué es lo que era,” he said. After airbags deployed and the vehicle stopped in the roadway, he exited through the passenger door and discovered he had struck someone.
Emergency medical personnel arrived quickly but could only confirm that Vilte had died instantly from injuries sustained in what authorities described as a violent impact. Shortly after, another car collided with the stopped Grand Cherokee; its driver—also a teacher—was taken to Arturo Zabala Hospital with multiple injuries.
Police detained the Grand Cherokee’s driver pending further instructions from judicial authorities while firefighters and traffic officers managed road safety at the scene. Residents and witnesses voiced concern over poor lighting and lack of pedestrian crossings or footbridges on this stretch of road.
