A devastating bus accident on a mountainous road in Bolivia has resulted in the tragic loss of more than 30 lives, according to local police reports. The incident occurred in the southwestern region of Yocalla, where the bus is believed to have lost control and plunged approximately 800 meters (2,625 feet) down a steep slope.
Details of the accident
Among the casualties, at least 14 individuals sustained injuries, including four children, as confirmed by a spokesperson from a nearby hospital. The bus was traveling between the cities of Potosi and Oruro when the accident took place. Eyewitness accounts and preliminary investigations suggest that speeding may have contributed to the driver’s inability to maintain control of the vehicle.
Previous incidents highlight road safety concerns
Police Colonel Victor Benavides indicated to the media that this incident could represent the most tragic road accident in Bolivia thus far this year. Local news outlet Unitel has reported that several of the injured passengers are in critical condition. Road safety remains a significant concern in Bolivia, where deadly accidents are not uncommon. In a similar incident last month, 19 people lost their lives when another bus veered off the road, also in the vicinity of Potosi.
Statistics reveal that Bolivia experiences an average of 1,400 road fatalities annually, a staggering figure for a nation with approximately 12 million residents. The treacherous nature of the country’s roads, especially in mountainous regions, poses ongoing challenges for drivers and passengers alike.
“The driver was unable to control the bus,” police colonel Victor Benavides stated.