13 People Died, 29 Injured As A Result Of Bus Falling Into Abyss In Colombia

PIXABAY ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - A total of 13 people were killed and 29 others injured when a bus plunged into a ravine on Friday (3/1) on the Pan-American highway in southwest Colombia.

The accident occurred at around 7 am local time on a mountain road in Narino near the Ecuadorian border, when the bus plunged into a 150 meter deep ravine (492 feet).

The fire department said 11 people died at the scene, while two people were later declared dead from their injuries.

29 victims were seriously injured and are recovering in eight hospitals. Bus drivers were among the injured.

Authorities reported the bus was transporting tourists visiting the Las Lajas Holy Place, a pilgrimage site located 2,900 meters (1.8 miles) above sea level and built within the valley of the Guaitara River -- seven kilometers (4.3 miles) from the Ecuadorian border.

Narino Governor Luis Alfonso Escobar linked the accident to the driver's decision to use alternative routes to avoid toll payments.

"We regret the tragic incident at the beginning of 2025, affecting visitors who came from Cali to the Las Lajas Holy Place via alternative routes. Many drivers choose alternative routes to avoid toll payments," he said as quoted by ANTARA from Anadolu, Saturday, January 4.

Although the exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, mechanical failure and excessive speed are suspected to be the factors causing the disaster.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed his condolences for the accident, stating that the police led an emergency response operation.

We are facing a highway disaster in NariTU. A private tourist bus got off track, so far it has resulted in 11 casualties. It's a shame. The police are responsible for emergency operations," he wrote earlier on social media X.