Tragic Bus Collision Claims 37 Lives in Bolivia

A tragic bus accident in Bolivia has led to significant loss of life and numerous injuries, highlighting ongoing road safety issues in the country.

In a devastating incident on Saturday morning, two passenger buses collided just 5 kilometers from the south-western city of Uyuni, claiming the lives of at least 37 individuals and injuring 30 others, according to police reports. The crash, attributed to a "lane invasion," occurred on the busy route linking Uyuni with Colchani in the Potosí department.

One of the bus drivers sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving intensive care, while the other is reported to be in stable condition, stated police commander Wilson Flores. Eyewitness reports and images circulating on Bolivian media display a severely damaged coach, with debris and personal belongings scattered chaotically across the roadside.

The ill-fated buses were en route to Oruro, coinciding with the Oruro Carnival, one of the most significant festivals in Latin America. Recovery efforts concluded by 10:00 AM local time (14:00 GMT), and the injured passengers were transported to hospitals in both Oruro and Potosí for treatment.

As of now, the deceased have not been officially identified, and the condition of the injured passengers remains uncertain. Local media has indicated that police are awaiting the results of alcohol tests conducted on the drivers to determine if alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Road safety remains a pressing issue in Bolivia, where traffic accidents frequently lead to casualties. Earlier this year, a bus fell into a ravine resulting in over 30 deaths, and another accident claimed 19 lives in January, both occurring in the same region near Potosí. Government statistics reveal that approximately 1,400 individuals die in road incidents each year within the country, which has a population of around 12 million.