Bolivian authorities reported on Saturday (March 1) that a tragic collision between two buses in the Potosi region of western Bolivia resulted in at least 37 fatalities and dozens of injuries.
In the early hours of Saturday morning, the two buses collided on the route between Uyuni and Colchani, after an incident of “lane invasion” occurred.
A spokesperson for the Potosi Police Command informed reporters that the deadly accident claimed the lives of 37 individuals, with 39 injured persons receiving medical treatment at four hospitals in Uyuni.
The spokesperson added that efforts are underway by the authorities to confirm the identities of the deceased and hospitalized individuals.
At the scene, a crane overturned one of the buses that had flipped on its side. Onlookers witnessed police removing bodies from the bus, wrapping them in blankets before carrying them away.
According to a statement from the Bolivian government, preliminary investigations suggest that one of the buses may have been speeding and veered into the oncoming lane, leading to the collision.
Police Commander Wilson Flores stated that one of the drivers is currently undergoing intensive care treatment, while the other driver’s condition is stable.
One of the buses involved in the incident was en route to the western city of Oruro, where one of Latin America’s largest festivals, the “Oruro Carnival,” was taking place.
Local media reported Flores stating that the police are awaiting the results of alcohol tests from the drivers.
(This article is based on reports from Reuters and the BBC.)