On Saturday, March 1, two buses collided in Bolivia, resulting in a horrific crash that left at least 37 people dead and more than 30 injured. Among the victims were a 3-year-old girl, three teenagers, and an 80-year-old woman. The incident marks the deadliest crash in Bolivia so far in 2025.
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According to Clarin, the crash occurred early on Saturday morning near Uyuni, around 335 miles south of La Paz. While the cause of the accident is currently under investigation, local officials believe that one of the buses swerved into the opposite lane, causing the fatal head-on crash.
Rescue efforts lasted for hours up to 10:00 a.m., according to Infobae. The debris had trapped the dead bodies and survivors, given the gravity of the impact. Local authorities are now working on the proper investigation and the identification of the bodies.
As a result of the impact, 37 people were killed and more than 30 were injured. Uyuni Frontier Police Chief Wilson Flores confirmed the news to local media. "We have losses of approximately 37 people who are believed to have died and around thirty injured, whose condition we are still verifying in different hospitals," said Flores.
Tragic Details
Flores revealed that, among the dead, lies a 3-year-old German girl, three teenagers ages 13, 15, and 17, and an 80-year-old woman from Peru. Local media from Peru also confirmed that seven nationals had lost their lives, including three minors.
Chief Flores also elaborated on the buses' trajectories and destinations. It is believed that one of them was heading toward Oruro for the Carnival of Oruro. This is a religious and cultural festival that is recognized by UNESCO as one of the biggest in Latin America.
"The bus from the company Emmanuel was en route from Oruro to Tupiza," Flores added. "The other, from the company Flecha Bus, departed from the Uyuni terminal heading toward Oruro. One of the drivers is in intensive care, while the other has serious injuries."
While the incident continues to be investigated by local authorities, police are waiting for the results of alcohol tests performed on both bus drivers. It is believed that one of the drivers was driving under the influence and at very high speeds. Both factors alongside the Bolivian terrain, might have contributed to the tragic loss of life.
