A tragic accident early Friday morning claimed the lives of at least 12 people and left 30 others injured when a packed tourist bus plunged 160 feet into a gorge along the Pan-American Highway near Pasto, Colombia.
The bus, carrying 42 passengers, veered off the road at kilometer 49 of the Pasto-Rumichaca highway in the Tangua region of Nariño. Victims were rushed to hospitals in Tangua, Ipiales, and Pasto for treatment, according to local reports.
Colombian Traffic Police are working to determine the identities and ages of those involved in the crash. Preliminary findings suggest that a mechanical failure may have caused the accident.
The bus was en route to Santuario de las Lajas, a popular tourist destination in Ipiales, and had been navigating roads with sharp bends and curves before the tragedy.
María Constanza García Alicastro, Colombia’s Minister of Transport, expressed her condolences on social media, saying, “My deepest condolences to the families affected by this tragedy, and I express my full solidarity on behalf of the national government in these difficult times.”
Authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of the crash and have not ruled out additional contributing factors. The Pan-American Highway, a critical route in the region, is known for its challenging terrain and winding roads.
