Woman climbs onto moving truck's fuel tank, dies after being run over

A tragic incident occurred in Asunción when a woman, identified as 39-year-old Lourdes Bustor Ferreira, died after climbing onto the fuel tank of a moving truck. The victim, originally from Emboscada, had been missing for over a year and was reportedly living under a bridge near the Botanical Garden, possibly due to drug addiction or mental health issues.

The incident took place early Monday morning, June 1, 2026. Bustor Ferreira climbed onto the fuel tank of a white Scania semi-trailer truck, driven by José Eladio Mereles Martínez, 46, near the Botanical Garden. The driver stated he only slowed down at the roundabout and did not notice anyone boarding.

As the truck maneuvered at the intersection of Primer Presidente and Yrendagüe, the woman lost her balance and fell onto the pavement. Tragically, the same truck then ran over her, causing fatal injuries. Her crushed body remained at the scene, with no one initially aware of the truck involved.

Homicide investigation agents took on the case and, after reviewing security camera footage showing the victim on the truck's tank, they located Mereles Martínez and his vehicle. The driver was detained, and both he and the truck are now in the custody of the Public Ministry. The investigation aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding the woman's actions and death.