A devastating bus crash in southwestern Bolivia on Monday left at least 31 people dead and more than a dozen others injured, local authorities reported.
According to police, the driver likely lost control of the vehicle, sending it plunging nearly 800 meters (2,625 feet) off a precipice in Yocalla, a mountainous municipality in the Potosí region.
Emergency responders transported 14 injured passengers—10 adults and four children—to a nearby hospital, where several remain in intensive care, according to hospital officials.
A police officer at the scene noted that the route where the accident occurred is filled with sharp turns and steep drops, making it particularly hazardous. Authorities believe excessive speed may have contributed to the crash.
Bolivia’s mountainous terrain is notorious for dangerous roads, with frequent accidents involving buses and trucks navigating steep and winding highways. Officials are investigating the incident to determine if additional factors, such as mechanical failure, played a role.
The tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in Bolivia, where high-altitude driving conditions and infrastructure challenges pose significant risks to travelers.
