Sucre: A tragic bus accident in Bolivia’s western Potosi region has left at least 37 people dead and 39 others injured, according to local authorities.
The fatal crash occurred on Saturday at 7:00 AM local time (11:00 GMT) on the road connecting Uyuni and Colchani, when one of the buses veered into the opposite lane, resulting in a head-on collision.
Uyuni, known as the gateway to the world-famous Salar de Uyuni salt flats, is a major tourist destination. One of the buses involved in the accident was reportedly traveling to Oruro, where the renowned Oruro Carnival is currently taking place.
Emergency responders worked to extract survivors from the mangled wreckage, with distressing images from local media showing bodies covered in blankets scattered across the high-altitude plains. Authorities are in the process of identifying both the deceased and those receiving medical treatment in hospitals in Uyuni.
A police spokesperson revealed that one of the drivers, both of whom survived, was seen consuming alcohol before the crash. Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing.
Bolivia’s road network, particularly in mountainous regions, is notorious for its hazardous conditions, with poor maintenance and limited oversight contributing to frequent deadly accidents. Official statistics indicate that approximately 1,400 people lose their lives in road incidents across the country each year.
