Bolivia Accident: Death Toll Rises

Bolivia has seen several fatal accidents in recent years, with a range of causes from road accidents to structural failures. The country experiences a high number of traffic deaths each year, with government statistics showing around 1,400 fatalities annually due to poor driving and mechanical failures. One of the most notable road accidents occurred in July 2024 when a head-on collision between a truck and a bus in the Bolivian Andes killed 22 people and injured 16, making it the country's worst road accident of the year. Another tragic incident involved a balcony railing collapse at the Public University of El Alto, resulting in the deaths of five students. With a road accident mortality rate of 23.2 deaths per 100,000 individuals, Bolivia ranks 28th out of 31 countries for safety on roads and highways.

22 killed in Bolivia's worst road accident in 2024

Head-on Collision in the Bolivian Andes

A head-on collision between a truck and a bus on a highway in the Bolivian Andes killed 22 people and injured 16 others. This tragic incident, which occurred on a road between the town of Patacamaya in Bolivia and the town of Tambo Quemado in northern Chile, is being described as Bolivia's worst road accident of the year.

Initial Investigation

According to traffic officer Nilo Torrico, the truck crossed into the opposite lane while attempting to overtake another vehicle, resulting in the deadly collision. "This truck made a prohibited manoeuvre and, as a result, we have this unfortunate accident," Torrico stated.

National Response

First responders worked diligently to remove bodies trapped in the destroyed vehicles. The accident's impact was evident, with images shared by Unitel showing the bus with its front section shattered and the truck smashed. Some bodies could be seen lying on the road.

International Casualties

Among the 22 deceased individuals, 14 have been identified so far. Chile's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that there was at least one Chilean national among the dead. The identities and nationalities of the remaining victims have not yet been disclosed.

History of Road Accidents in Bolivia

Bolivia has a history of road accidents, with government statistics indicating approximately 1,400 traffic deaths each year. Accidents are predominantly attributed to poor driving and mechanical failures. The country's North Yungas Road was once declared the World's Most Dangerous Road, with an estimated 200-300 deaths occurring annually before alternative routes were established.

5 students killed in a balcony railing collapse

In March 2021, a tragic accident occurred at the Public University of El Alto in Bolivia, resulting in the deaths of five students. The incident took place during a student assembly, where a large group of students had gathered on a crowded fourth-floor balcony.

Video footage of the accident showed the moment the balcony railing suddenly gave way, causing several students to fall. The railing collapsed under the weight of the crowd, leading to a devastating outcome.

The accident claimed the lives of five students and left three others in intensive care. The students who lost their lives were identified as Raúl Cadena, Genio Mamani, Saúl Mamani, Daniel Rodríguez, and Anahí Chipana.

The university, located in El Alto, a city neighbouring La Paz, was the scene of this tragic incident. The assembly was being held in the university's financial sciences building, and the students were gathered to attend a gathering.

The cause of the railing collapse was attributed to the pressure exerted by the crowd on the narrow balcony. This tragic event highlights the importance of safety measures and the need to ensure that gatherings are properly managed to prevent such accidents from occurring.

Bolivia's North Yungas Road: World's Most Dangerous Road

Bolivia's North Yungas Road, also known as "Death Road", is a 64km (40-mile) route that connects the city of La Paz to the Yungas region of Bolivia. The road is notorious for its dangerous conditions, including steep slopes, narrow tracks, lack of guardrails, rain, fog, and muddy terrain. The road is only around 3 metres wide in some places, with sheer drops of up to 1,000 metres.

The road was built in the 1930s by Paraguayan prisoners of war following the Chaco War. For many years, it was the only route connecting the Amazon rainforest in the north to the city of La Paz. Until the mid-1990s, it is estimated that 200 to 300 drivers fell off the cliffs each year, with hundreds of people losing their lives. The road was officially closed in 2006, and a new, safer road was constructed nearby in 2009.

The old North Yungas Road is now mostly used by adventure travellers and thrill-seekers. While it is no longer considered the "World's Most Dangerous Road", it still claims the lives of local workers, backpackers, and cyclists each year. More than 20 cyclists have died on the road since 1998, and over 20 bikers have lost their lives attempting to cycle the entire road.

The road's dangerous conditions and hairpin turns have caused numerous accidents and fatalities. In July 1983, a bus fell from the Yungas Road into a canyon, killing more than 100 passengers in one of Bolivia's worst road accidents. Another accident in December 1999 killed eight Israeli travellers in a jeep crash.

Despite the dangers, the road remains a popular tourist attraction, with around 25,000 thrill-seekers visiting each year. Tour operators offer downhill mountain biking and driving experiences on the road, providing information, guides, transport, and equipment.

Bolivia's road accident mortality rate: 23.2 deaths per 100,000 people

Bolivia has a high road accident mortality rate, with 23.2 deaths per 100,000 people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018. This figure places Bolivia 28th out of 31 countries for safety on roads and highways, such as the La Paz highway.

The country's most notable road accident occurred on July 24, 1983, when a lorry veered off North Yungas Road and into a ravine, killing the driver and all 100 passengers. North Yungas Road, dubbed the "World's Most Dangerous Road" by the Inter-American Development Bank in 1995, is a 60km route that links La Paz to the Yungas region. It is characterised by steep slopes, sharp bends, poor visibility, harsh weather conditions, and a sheer drop of 600 meters with no guardrails. Before an alternative route was constructed in 2006, an estimated 200–300 people died on this road each year.

The high rate of road traffic deaths in Bolivia can be attributed to various factors, including unsafe road design, lack of safety measures, and unfavourable weather conditions. The North Yungas Road, in particular, is notorious for its challenging terrain and lack of safety features, including guardrails and adequate lane width. The road's steep slopes, sharp bends, and narrow width—with only 3.5 meters in some sections—make it especially dangerous for vehicles. Additionally, the constant fog caused by the meeting of warm air from the Amazon and cold air from the mountains significantly reduces visibility.

The high elevation of the road, starting at 3,600 meters above sea level in La Paz and ascending to 4,650 meters at La Cumbre, further exacerbates the challenges for drivers. The combination of steep slopes, poor visibility, and harsh weather conditions, including rain and fog, increases the risk of accidents. The road's annual death toll averaged around 26 vehicles falling over the edge into the ravine below.

To address the safety issues, an alternative route was constructed between 2006 and 2007, bypassing the most hazardous sections of the original road. As a result, the number of deaths along the Yungas Road has decreased significantly, with only about 30 to 40 deaths per year in recent years. However, the road remains a popular tourist destination, attracting around 25,000 cyclists annually. While the new route has improved safety conditions, Bolivia still has a high road accident mortality rate compared to other countries, highlighting the ongoing need for improved road safety measures and infrastructure in the country.

1,400 traffic deaths in Bolivia each year

Bolivia has one of the highest road accident mortality rates in the world, with about 1,400 traffic deaths each year. The country ranks 28th out of 31 countries when it comes to road safety, with a mortality rate of 23.2 deaths per 100,000 individuals, according to a 2018 World Health Organization (WHO) report.

The high number of traffic deaths in Bolivia can be attributed to several factors, including poor driving, mechanical failures, and dangerous road conditions. One of the most notorious roads in Bolivia is the North Yungas Road, also known as "Death Road." This 60-kilometer-long road is considered the deadliest portion of the Death Road, starting from La Paz at an average height of 3,600 meters above sea level and ascending to La Cumbre at 4,650 meters.

The North Yungas Road is characterized by its narrow width, harsh bends, large stones, and lack of guardrails along cliff edges. The road is also prone to mudslides and is often covered in mist due to the rainy climate. These dangerous conditions have led to numerous accidents and fatalities. In 1995, the Inter-American Development Bank declared the North Yungas Road the "World's Most Dangerous Road," with an estimated 200-300 people dying there each year. While the construction of an alternative route in 2006 has reduced the number of deaths, the road still claims lives, with an estimated 30 to 40 fatalities annually.

Bolivia's high altitude, mountainous terrain, and challenging road conditions contribute to the country's high number of traffic deaths. Improving road infrastructure, enforcing safety regulations, and promoting safe driving practices are crucial steps towards reducing traffic fatalities in Bolivia. Raising awareness about the dangers of poor driving and mechanical failures can also help mitigate the number of accidents and save lives.

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