A devastating collision between a truck and a bus in southern Bolivia has left at least 31 people dead and 22 others injured, according to Reuters.
The accident occurred early Monday morning on a highway between Oruro and PotosÃ, two major cities in the Bolivian highlands.
The truck reportedly collided with the bus, forcing it off the road and causing it to roll approximately 500 meters (1,640 feet) down a ravine. Police spokesperson Limbert Choque confirmed the death toll, which included both men and women, and noted that the injured were being treated at nearby hospitals.
The driver of the truck has been arrested, with authorities investigating the cause of the accident. The crash site was quickly attended to by ambulances and emergency vehicles, with rescue teams working to assist survivors and recover the deceased.
Bolivian President Luis Arce expressed his condolences to the victims’ families on social media, calling for a thorough investigation into the incident.
This unfortunate event must be investigated to establish responsibilities. We send our most sincere condolences to the bereaved families, wishing them the necessary strength to face these difficult times.
The tragedy comes just days after another fatal accident in the same region, where more than three dozen people were killed in a collision between two buses. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges of road safety in Bolivia, particularly in the highland areas where winding roads and difficult terrain can increase the risk of accidents.