Bus Crash Bolivia Kills Over 30 People 2025 02 17
Reuters3 days ago
At least 30 people were killed after a passenger bus plunged approximately 800 meters (2,625 feet) into a ravine in the southwestern district of Yocalla, Bolivia, on Monday.
The accident occurred on a narrow mountain road between the cities of Potosí and Oruro. At least 15 people who sustained injuries, including children, were transported to Daniel Bracamonte Hospital.
Police Colonel Victor Benavides attributed the crash to excessive speed, stating the driver couldn't control the bus on sharp curves and steep slopes.
Bolivia's mountainous regions' infrastructure and road safety standards are severely inadequate for safe public transportation. The combination of narrow roads, sharp curves, and steep slopes creates extremely hazardous conditions that regularly lead to fatal accidents. The frequency of such incidents highlights a critical need for improved safety measures and infrastructure development.
While the mountainous route is full of twists and turns, the primary cause of accidents lies with reckless driving behaviors and inadequate driver qualifications rather than road conditions. The recent accidents, including Monday's tragedy, stem from overspeeding, rash driving, and drivers' inability to adequately control their vehicles on challenging but manageable terrain.