Polar Cold Wave Triggers Road Emergencies, Fatal Accident in Patagonia

Patagonia is grappling with a critical road emergency due to an intense polar cold wave, which has brought snow, ice, and extreme Antarctic temperatures to the regions of Neuquén and Río Negro. On Tuesday, Maquinchao in Río Negro recorded a frigid -13.8°C, while Bariloche registered -10.2°C, with even lower wind chills. A yellow alert for extreme cold remains in effect for Neuquén and western Río Negro.

The severe weather has resulted in tragic consequences and has placed terrestrial connectivity under maximum alert. Four accidents have been reported, prompting special prevention operations across both provinces. The most serious incident occurred Tuesday afternoon in La Rinconada, Neuquén, where a truck driver died after his vehicle plunged about 300 meters down a slope on an icy and snowy road. The driver was ejected from the truck and found dead approximately 100 meters from the crash site.

Other incidents include a truck rollover on National Route 237 near Villa Llanquín, which disrupted traffic, and another cargo vehicle that skidded off the road on Route 40 near Chorriaca due to black ice. A police patrol vehicle also overturned on Route 237 during the storm. Border crossings to Chile have experienced unstable transit, with the Pino Hachado pass closed for a period. Approximately 50 truck drivers were stranded in Las Lajas awaiting its reopening. The Cardenal Samoré complex remains open but requires mandatory snow chains, with temperatures around -4°C at the border.

Several routes are currently impassable due to snow accumulation and ice, including Provincial Route 13, Route 23, and Route 46. Route 40 between Bariloche and El Bolsón has sections with low adherence and unstable shoulders. The National Meteorological Service predicts the severe conditions will persist for at least a few more days, with snowfall and freezing fog expected in areas near the mountains this weekend. The government of Neuquén has deployed a comprehensive operational response coordinated by the Secretariat of Emergencies and Geohazards.