By Sarah Baafi
A devastating bus accident in Bolivia has resulted in the deaths of at least 31 individuals, with a others injured. The incident occurred on Monday, February 17, 2025 when the bus lost control and plunged nearly 800 meters (2,625 feet) down a steep ravine in the southwestern municipality of Yocalla, according to police reports.
Authorities suspect that speeding may have played a significant role in the crash, as the mountainous route is known for its treacherous twists and turns. Police Colonel Victor Benavides indicated that the driver appeared unable to manage the vehicle effectively, leading to this tragic event. Among the injured, 10 adults and four children were hospitalized, with several reported to be in critical condition.
This accident marks one of the deadliest road incidents in Bolivia this year, following another recent crash near Potosi that claimed 19 lives. Bolivia’s roads are notoriously dangerous, with an average of 1,400 fatalities from road accidents annually in a country of approximately 12 million people.
