37 Dead in Bolivia After Bus Collision on Highway: Police

In a tragic incident on Saturday, two passenger buses collided on a highway in southern Bolivia, resulting in the deaths of at least 37 people, including two children, according to local police officials. The crash occurred near the city of Uyuni in the department of Potosi, a region known for its proximity to the world-famous Salar de Uyuni salt flats, a popular tourist destination.

Colonel Wilson Flores, spokesperson for the Bolivian police, confirmed the devastating toll in an interview with AFP, stating, "So far, we have 37 confirmed deaths." Authorities have warned that the number could rise as rescue operations continue at the crash site. The two buses were traveling along a stretch of highway that is prone to accidents due to poor road conditions and occasional fog.

The collision, which happened in the early hours of the morning, involved a head-on crash between the two vehicles. Witnesses have reported that one of the buses was trying to overtake another vehicle when it veered into the path of the oncoming bus, resulting in the deadly impact. The force of the crash caused significant damage to both buses, with many passengers being trapped inside the wreckage.

Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene, but the remote location of the accident posed challenges for the rescue operations. Local firefighters, police officers, and paramedics worked tirelessly to pull survivors from the wreckage and transport the injured to nearby hospitals. While some survivors were able to walk away from the scene, many others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to medical facilities in Uyuni and surrounding areas.

Bolivian authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, with initial reports suggesting that driver fatigue, high speeds, and the dangerous condition of the road may have contributed to the tragedy. Local officials have expressed concern over the frequent accidents on this stretch of highway, urging the government to implement better safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The collision has shocked the nation, and tributes have poured in for the victims, including the two children whose lives were tragically cut short. Bolivia’s president, Luis Arce, expressed his condolences, stating, “Our hearts are with the families of those affected by this terrible accident. We will continue to support rescue efforts and ensure that justice is served."

As Bolivia mourns the loss of so many innocent lives, the incident has sparked renewed debate about road safety in the country, with calls for more stringent regulations on bus travel and improvements to the nation's infrastructure. The Bolivian government has promised to prioritize road safety in the aftermath of the tragedy.