Traffic Chaos Becoming A Norm
Once again, an accident here, another there and a jumper off a bridge, proved the magnitude of the traffic chaos that "chepe" (San José) and Josefinos (San José residents) live daily.

The combination of an accident, a collision between the commuter train and a bus, in front of the McDonalds in La Sabana and moments later, a short distance from the accident, a man who decided to jump off the bridge just before the Escazú exit on the Fernando Prospero highway, tied up west end traffic.

The traffic chaos spilled over onto all sides of the Parque La Sabana, Sabana Oeste, Pavas and Escazú.

In the train-bus accident fortunately no one was injured. The commuter train collided with a bus at the intersection when the bus failed to clear the train tracks, stuck in heavy traffic. The commuter train has been operating since October 2005 and drivers continue to fail to keep track crossings clear while in traffic. That scene is common, especially during mornign and afternoon rush hours, at most train crossings.

The bus driver said he did not hear the train's wisthle.

The jumper, who dediced to take a leap off the 80 metre (260 feet) bridge over the river Tiribi, did not survive.

Attempts by Tránsito (traffic) officials to restore order were useless given the uncontrollable chaos that the two events within a short distance and at almost the same time, created.

Traffic on the highway was backed up in both directions as drivers slowed down to get a look at the rescue efforts of the Cruz Roja (Red Cross), that were only able to pull the man's body from the river below.