Causes of the Accident
The accident occurred when the bus, traveling from La Paz to Villazón, failed to navigate a curve and crashed, resulting in the loss of 18 lives. According to the police report, excessive speed is believed to be the primary cause of the accident.
Rescue Efforts
Rescue teams had to employ heavy machinery to extract the bodies from the wreckage, which was severely twisted and damaged. The injured passengers, including the driver, were taken to the nearby Uyuni hospital for medical attention.
Consequences of the Accident
The accident has resulted in a total of 19 fatalities, comprising 14 women, three men, and two children. Additionally, nine people were injured, including the driver, who has been apprehended by the authorities.
Frequency of Road Accidents in Bolivia
Road accidents are a common occurrence in Bolivia, with approximately 1,400 people losing their lives each year. The primary causes of these accidents are attributed to driver error and mechanical failures, according to the Ministry of Government’s statistics.
Previous Accidents
This accident is not an isolated incident, as a similar accident occurred on December 20, resulting in the loss of 13 lives when a bus collided with a truck on the road between La Paz and Oruro. The accident in Potosí is the first major incident this year, with a significant number of fatalities.