The town of Lavalleja is still reeling from a devastating bus accident that occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning on Route 8, resulting in the loss of four lives and leaving 30 passengers injured, with nine still hospitalized. The bus, operated by the company Núñez, had been traveling from Montevideo to Melo in the Cerro Largo department when it veered off course and overturned, causing widespread destruction and chaos.
To get to the bottom of this tragic incident, Prosecutor Marlene Canosa has ordered a series of investigations, including mechanical inspections of the bus and toxicology reports on the driver, who sadly lost his life in the crash. These tests will help determine whether any mechanical issues or substances played a role in the accident. As the investigation unfolds, the authorities are working tirelessly to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
The bus had been carrying a diverse group of passengers, including families and individuals returning to Cerro Largo for the long Carnaval weekend. Among the victims were the bus driver, Eduardo Cuitiño, a 57-year-old native of Canelones; Sharon Berni, a 24-year-old police officer who was traveling with her two-year-old daughter, now under observation at the Police Hospital; Anthony Silvera Olivera, a 25-year-old police officer; and Matías Ramos, 22 years old. The news of their passing has sent shockwaves throughout the community, with many still trying to come to terms with the scale of the tragedy.
In the aftermath of the accident, the Intendencia declared a departmental mourning period and suspended all Carnaval activities planned for the weekend. The move is a testament to the profound impact the tragedy has had on the local community, with many residents still grappling with the loss of life and the sheer magnitude of the disaster. As the people of Lavalleja begin the long and difficult process of healing, they are being supported by emergency services and local authorities, who are working around the clock to provide aid and assistance to those affected.
The investigation into the accident is ongoing, with Prosecutor Canosa at the helm. In addition to the mechanical inspections and toxicology reports, she is also awaiting the results of the autopsy performed on the driver and an examination of his blood alcohol levels. These findings will be crucial in determining the cause of the accident and providing some much-needed answers to the families of the victims and the wider community. As the community continues to mourn the loss of life, one passenger who witnessed the tragedy firsthand has spoken out about his experience. Diego Coronel, the winner of the first Got Talent Uruguay, was on board the bus and has shared his harrowing account of the events as they unfolded.
It’s worth noting that the majority of the passengers on the bus were from Cerro Largo, returning home for the long weekend. The accident has left a deep scar on the community, with many struggling to comprehend the scale of the tragedy. As the investigation continues, the authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, and the community is rallying around the families of the victims, offering support and condolences during this incredibly difficult time. Meanwhile, nine of the injured passengers remain hospitalized in health centers in Minas and Treinta y Tres, with three in critical care units. The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but with the support of the community and the authorities, those affected by the tragedy are not alone.
The Investigation Continues
The case is being handled by Prosecutor Marlene Canosa, who has vowed to leave no stone unturned in her quest for answers. In the coming days and weeks, the authorities will be working to piece together the events surrounding the accident, using a combination of forensic evidence, witness statements, and expert analysis. As the investigation progresses, the community will be kept informed of any developments, and those responsible for the accident will be held accountable. For now, the people of Lavalleja remain united in their grief, coming together to support one another and pay their respects to the victims of this terrible tragedy.
A Community in Mourning
The town of Lavalleja is a close-knit community, and the impact of the accident has been felt deeply by all. As the community begins the long process of healing, residents are being encouraged to come together and support one another. The suspension of Carnaval activities is a testament to the sense of solidarity and respect that pervades the town, and as the days turn into weeks, the community will continue to rally around the families of the victims. In the face of tragedy, the people of Lavalleja have shown remarkable resilience and strength, and as they navigate the difficult road ahead, they will do so together, united in their grief and their determination to rebuild and recover.
- Four people lost their lives in the accident: Eduardo Cuitiño, Sharon Berni, Anthony Silvera Olivera, and Matías Ramos.
- 30 passengers were injured, with nine still hospitalized and three in critical care units.
- The investigation into the accident is ongoing, with Prosecutor Marlene Canosa leading the inquiry.
- The community has come together to support the families of the victims and those affected by the tragedy.
- The town of Lavalleja has declared a departmental mourning period and suspended all Carnaval activities.