How Did 2 Tucumán Police Officers Die in a Van–Truck Crash on Route 9 Near Benjamín Paz?

Key facts

• What: Fatal collision between a police van and a truck with trailer
• Where: National Route 9, km 1351, near Benjamín Paz, Trancas department, Tucumán, Argentina
• When: Sunday, 11 October 2026, in the morning
• Confirmed toll: 2 dead, 2 injured
• Source: La Gaceta (Tucumán), via police and judicial sources

What happened

Two officers of the Tucumán Police died on the morning of Sunday, 11 October 2026, after the van they were travelling in collided with a truck on National Route 9 near Benjamín Paz, in the Trancas department of Tucumán province, Argentina.

The victims were identified as Corporal Nicolás Aráoz, who was driving a Peugeot Partner, and his colleague Ulises Acosta. Their vehicle collided with an Iveco S-Way truck with trailer at kilometre 1351, close to the Benjamín Paz police detachment. The truck was driven by a 52-year-old man.

Two other people were injured in the crash.

Investigation

Personnel from Criminalística Norte worked at the scene to carry out forensic examinations and establish how the crash occurred. By order of the courts, both vehicles were seized for technical studies. The case has been filed as homicidio culposo (culpable homicide), and no custodial measures had been ordered against the truck driver at the time of reporting.

No details had yet been released about the mechanics of the impact or the circumstances that triggered the collision.

Road context

National Route 9 is one of Argentina's main highways, running from Buenos Aires through the country's north-west. The stretch through Tucumán carries heavy freight traffic, and the province has seen repeated fatal crashes on its national routes. The deaths of two serving officers in a single crash have caused deep institutional grief within the Tucumán Police, who lost two of their own in the same accident.

Frequently asked questions

### Where did the crash happen? On National Route 9 at kilometre 1351, near the Benjamín Paz detachment in the Trancas department, Tucumán province, Argentina.

When did the crash occur?

On the morning of Sunday, 11 October 2026.

Who died?

Two Tucumán Police officers: Corporal Nicolás Aráoz, who was driving the Peugeot Partner, and his colleague Ulises Acosta.

Were there other injuries?

Yes. Two other people were injured in the collision.

What vehicles were involved?

A Peugeot Partner carrying the two officers, and an Iveco S-Way truck with trailer driven by a 52-year-old man.

What is the status of the investigation?

Criminalística Norte carried out forensic work at the scene, both vehicles were seized by court order, and the case was filed as homicidio culposo. No custodial measures had been ordered against the truck driver.