At Least 28 People Killed After Bus Plunges More Than 2,500 Feet into Ravine: Reports

Mar. 15, 2025

At least 28 people have been killed in a bus accident this week on a mountainous road in Bolivia, according to multiple news outlets.

The vehicle went roughly 2,600 feet down into a ravine in the southwestern district of Yocalla after the driver lost control along the route on Monday, Feb. 17,the BBC,Reutersand local outletUnitelreported.

The number was later lowered to 28 deaths but police are still searching for more fatalities.

Additionally, 14 people, including four children, were injured and transported to Daniel Bracamonte Hospital in the city of Potosí, Unitel reported. According to the outlet, two of the injured parties required treatment in intensive care.

HANDOUT/Bolivian Police/AFP via Getty

Police Col. Victor Benavides said authorities believe the driver — who was heading to the city of Oruo — may have been speeding at the time of the incident and was “unable” to control the bus, the BBC reported, citing the AFP news agency.

Benavides added that the bus' route was “full of twists and turns,” per Reuters.

A spokesman for the departmental police command in Potosí, Col. Limbert Choque, said emergency teams “are still recovering the bodies, while investigations are carried out,” per Unitel.

The BBC reported that this is believed to be the most serious road accident reported in the South American country so far this year. Deadly road accidents are common in Bolivia and kill an average of 1,400 people every year.

Bus crash in Bolivia.HANDOUT/Bolivian Police/AFP via Getty

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The outlet also reported that in January, 19 people were killed when another bus came off a road, also near Potosí.

Local police did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for an update.

source: people.com