A doctor identified as Bertha Burciaga Morán , 38, lost her life after being shot by agents of the Public Security Secretariat of the state of Veracruz, Mexico.
The incident occurred on Monday, April 20, when the health professional was traveling in her vehicle with another woman, amidst an active police chase in the northern part of the state.
Confusion during operation ended in tragedy
According to initial reports, the events originated after the theft of a truck in the community of Totomoxtle , where armed individuals allegedly attacked security personnel and placed tire spikes on the road to slow down patrols.
The chase extended to the vicinity of toll booth number 13, in the municipality of Tihuatlán, where the agents mistakenly identified a Volkswagen Tiguan truck , similar to the stolen vehicle.
At that moment, the police opened fire on the unit, hitting the two occupants.
The doctor died at the scene.
Dr. Burciaga Morán died at the scene due to the severity of the gunshot wounds.
Her companion survived the attack, but had to be rushed to a hospital in Tuxpan, where she remains under medical care.
Meanwhile, those responsible for the initial robbery managed to escape, which increased public outrage.
Chaos in the area and disruption to drivers
During the chase, the criminals threw tire spikes on the road, causing damage to multiple private vehicles and emergency vehicles.
This caused traffic congestion and complicated the response to the violent incidents recorded in the area.
Outrage from the health sector and demands for justice
The medical community of Poza Rica , where the doctor worked at the IMSS General Hospital No. 24, expressed deep sorrow for her death.
Through social media, colleagues highlighted her career, professionalism, and commitment to patients.
They also demanded a transparent investigation and justice in the case, noting the need to review the protocols for action in high-risk operations.
“There must be clear criteria for the use of force and the identification of targets,” said representatives of the medical profession.
