Argentina restricts access to an Andean plain after damage caused by a pickup truck

The Argentine province of San Juan has placed a moratorium on access to Pampa del Leoncito, an Andean plain located at 1,500 meters above sea level, after a vehicle drove across it in violation of a traffic ban, creating deep ruts. This incident occurred on Saturday night when a 46-year-old physician from Mendoza attempted to free the pickup truck, which had become stuck in the mud.

Despite his efforts, the vehicle remained immobilized, and the driver abandoned it, leaving the mud marks. The authorities had already restricted traffic in the area due to recent rain. The soft, saline clay soil of the plain is prone to deformation when saturated, meaning the ruts will likely remain for decades, if not a century, before they can be naturally eroded.

The mayor of Calingasta, Sebastián Carbajal, described the damage as "very regrettable," noting that it surpasses previous incidents involving quad bikes. The province's director of cultural heritage, Gladys González, echoed this sentiment, expressing concern over the deterioration. The driver voluntarily provided his details and was released, claiming he was unaware of the restrictions and had not seen the signage at night.

No formal charges have been filed, and the truck remains under the National Gendarmerie's custody until the water levels recede. While provincial law allows for fines up to 1.5 million pesos (approximately a thousand dollars), Carbajal believes this penalty is insufficient. He plans to escalate the matter to criminal courts and seek stronger protective measures for the area by proposing legislation to the provincial legislature.

The plain, also known as Barreal Blanco, is part of El Leoncito National Park, which has been protecting the night sky for over two decades.