On February 17, 2025, Bolivia was shaken by a tragic accident in the mountainous district of Yocalla. A passenger bus traveling from Potosí to Sucre veered off a winding mountain road and plunged nearly 2,600 feet into a ravine, claiming the lives of at least 28 people and leaving 14 others injured. Among the injured were four children, two of whom remain in critical condition as rescue teams continue their work in difficult terrain.
The route where the accident occurred is known for its sharp turns and steep cliffs, making it one of the most dangerous in the region. Early reports suggest that the driver may have been traveling at high speed when the bus lost control and went off the edge. Witnesses said the vehicle appeared unstable moments before the crash.
When emergency responders arrived, the scene was devastating. The bus was completely destroyed, its remains scattered down the rocky slope. Paramedics, firefighters, and volunteers worked through the night to rescue survivors and recover victims. Despite the difficult conditions, rescuers refused to give up, using ropes and flashlights to navigate the steep, misty terrain.
Authorities described the incident as one of the worst in recent memory. A police spokesperson confirmed that several victims are still being identified and that investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the crash. Mechanical failure and speeding are both being considered possible factors..
The bus company involved is under investigation, with officials reviewing maintenance records and driver certifications. Government agencies have called for stronger safety inspections and tighter controls over long-distance transport operators.
Bolivia’s President Luis Arce expressed deep condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. He announced plans to improve road safety nationwide and enforce stricter standards for vehicles and drivers. “This tragedy must not happen again,” he said, promising new safety reforms and more rigorous transportation oversight.
Local residents say the accident is a painful reminder of ongoing safety issues. The road between Potosí and Sucre, often referred to by drivers as “El Camino de la Muerte” (The Road of Death), has a long history of fatal crashes. Many hope this disaster will finally lead to real improvements in infrastructure and enforcement.
At nearby hospitals, families gathered anxiously for news about their loved ones. One survivor, Mariela, shared that she was asleep when the bus began to shake. “People started screaming,” she recalled. “The next thing I remember was waking up on the rocks. I don’t know how I made it.”
Doctors report that many survivors are suffering from serious injuries, including fractures and internal trauma. Blood donations have been requested, and communities nearby have come together to help however they can.
Bolivia has one of the highest road accident rates in South America, with thousands of deaths and injuries reported each year. Experts say the main causes include speeding, driver fatigue, lack of road barriers, and poor vehicle maintenance. Many long-distance drivers work long hours under difficult conditions, increasing the risk of human error.
Safety advocates are urging the government to take stronger action — from installing guardrails and warning systems to ensuring vehicles pass regular safety inspections. Some reforms have been discussed in the past but have seen slow progress due to limited funding.
In the days following the tragedy, vigils were held in Potosí, Sucre, and La Paz. Citizens lit candles and prayed for the victims and their families. For many Bolivians, the accident represents not just another tragic event, but a call for lasting change.
As the nation mourns, the hope remains that this loss will finally lead to safer roads and stricter accountability. The memory of those who died in Yocalla stands as a solemn reminder of how urgent that change has become.
