Bus plunges 800 meters off cliff in Bolivia, killing at least 31

At least 31 people were killed and 14 others injured when a bus plunged 800 meters off a cliff in southwestern Bolivia, local authorities said.

The tragic accident occurred on February 17 along a mountain road in the municipality of Yocalla, located in the Potosí department, Caliber.Az reports referring to foreign media agencies.

According to officials, the bus driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and fall into the deep ravine.

Authorities confirmed that at least 31 passengers lost their lives, while 14 others, including four children, sustained injuries. The injured have been transported to the nearest hospital, with some in critical condition.

Road accidents involving buses are common in Bolivia’s mountainous regions and frequently result in high fatalities.

This tragedy comes just weeks after a similar accident in late January, where another bus in the Potosí department fell off a cliff, killing at least 19 people and injuring nine others. The vehicle had been travelling from La Paz to Villazón when it overturned after leaving the road.

Among the victims were two children and both drivers of the bus. Investigators determined that the cause of the crash was excessive speed and the inadequate qualifications of the drivers.

By Tamilla Hasanova