Over 30 people have died after a bus plunged nearly 800 meters (2,625 feet) into a ravine on a mountain road in Bolivia’s southwestern Yocalla district.
Fourteen others, including four children, were injured in the crash, marking one of the deadliest road accidents in the country this year.
The accident occurred on a treacherous mountain road between the cities of Potosí and Oruro. Police Colonel Víctor Benavides told AFP that speeding may have been a factor, with the driver allegedly losing control of the bus.
Local authorities have confirmed that all the injured persons were rushed to a nearby hospital, where several were currently in serious condition, according to local news outlet Unitel.
Bolivia’s High Accident Rates Due to Dangerous Roads
Bolivia is known for its notoriously dangerous roads, particularly in mountainous regions like Yocalla. The country sees an average of 1,400 road accident fatalities annually, despite having a population of only about 12 million.
This crash is believed to be the most severe road accident in Bolivia so far this year, following another tragic incident last month near Potosí, where 19 people died in a similar bus crash.
Eyewitness Accounts and Emergency Response for the Bolivia Car Crash
Eyewitnesses described the harrowing scene as the bus tumbled down the steep ravine. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to rescue survivors and recover victims from the wreckage.
A hospital official shared a video update, confirming that 14 people, including four children, were receiving treatment for their injuries.
Government statistics have also shown that road accidents are a leading cause of death in Bolivia, with poor road conditions, speeding, and inadequate vehicle maintenance often cited as contributing factors. The latest crash underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures in the country.
Advocates Call for Improved Road Safety in Bolivia
In the aftermath of this tragedy, there are growing calls for the Bolivian government to address the country’s road safety crisis. Advocates are urging stricter enforcement of traffic laws, better road maintenance, and public awareness campaigns to reduce the high number of fatalities.
