Tragic Collision Claims 22 Lives in Bolivian Andes

A bus-truck collision in the Bolivian Andes resulted in 22 deaths and 16 injuries, as reported by Al Jazeera. Authorities confirmed a Chilean national among the deceased. The crash occurred due to the truck’s prohibited manoeuvre. Bolivia records around 1,400 traffic deaths annually owing to poor driving and mechanical failures.

At least 22 people lost their lives and 16 others sustained injuries in a tragic collision between a bus and a truck on a highway in the Bolivian Andes, Al Jazeera reported on Sunday, citing local police.

Authorities have confirmed the identities of 14 of the victims, among whom was a Chilean national, confirmed by Chile's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The fatal incident occurred on a road between Bolivia's Patacamaya and Tambo Quemado in northern Chile, according to the Unitel channel. Traffic officer Nilo Torrico revealed that the crash was caused by the truck entering the wrong lane while attempting a prohibited overtaking manoeuvre.

First responders are currently working to extricate the bodies trapped in the wrecked vehicles. According to government statistics cited by Al Jazeera, Bolivia records about 1,400 traffic deaths annually, with accidents primarily due to poor driving habits and mechanical failures.

(With inputs from agencies.)