At least 37 people have lost their lives, and 30 others sustained injuries following a tragic bus collision in Bolivia early Saturday, police confirmed. The fatal accident occurred approximately 5km (3 miles) from Uyuni, a city in the southwest of the country.
According to police commander Wilson Flores, the crash involved two passenger buses that collided on the route between Uyuni and Colchani, in the Potosí department. Local reports suggest that a “lane invasion” was the cause of the crash, though investigations are still ongoing.
Images published by Bolivian media showed the aftermath of the crash, with one of the buses severely damaged, its bodywork ripped apart, and luggage strewn across the roadside. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, recovering the wreckage by 10:00 local time (14:00 GMT) and transporting the injured to hospitals in both Oruro and Potosí.
One of the drivers is in intensive care, while the other is reportedly in stable condition. Authorities have yet to identify the deceased and are still determining the condition of the injured passengers. Police are also awaiting the results of alcohol tests conducted on both drivers as part of the investigation.
The tragedy comes as Bolivia faces a high rate of fatal road accidents. In February, another devastating crash claimed over 30 lives when a bus plunged nearly 800 meters (2,625 feet) into a ravine between Potosí and Oruro. Similarly, in January, 19 people were killed when a bus veered off the road in the same region.
Bolivia, a country of about 12 million people, records an average of 1,400 road fatalities annually, according to government statistics. Many of these accidents are attributed to poorly maintained roads, reckless driving, and inadequate vehicle safety measures.
One of the buses involved in the latest crash was en route to Oruro, where the famous Oruro Carnival, one of Latin America’s largest festivals, was taking place. The tragedy casts a shadow over the celebrations as authorities continue their investigations.
With rising concerns over road safety in Bolivia, this latest accident underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations and improved infrastructure to prevent further loss of lives.
