13 KILLED, 29 INJURED AS BUS CRASHES INTO RAVINE IN COLOMBIA

BOGOTA (Colombia), Jan 4 (Bernama-AA) -- At least 13 people are dead, and 30 were injured when a bus plunged into a ravine on Friday on the Pan-American Highway in southwestern Colombia, Anadolu Agency reported, quoting the authorities.

The accident occurred around 7 am local time on a mountainous road in the Narino Department near the Ecuadorian border, as the bus plummeted into a 150-metre-deep ravine.

The fire department said 11 people died at the scene, while two were later pronounced dead because of their injuries. Twenty-nine victims were seriously injured and are recovering at eight hospitals. The driver of the bus is among the injured.

Authorities reported that the bus was transporting tourists visiting the Sanctuary of Las Lajas, a pilgrimage site located 2,900 metres above sea level and built within the Guaitara River canyon—seven kilometres (4.3 miles) from the Ecuadorian border.

Narino Governor Luis Alfonso Escobar attributed the accident to the driver's decision to use an alternative route to avoid paying tolls.

"We regret this tragic event at the beginning of 2025 involving visitors who came from Cali to the Sanctuary of Las Lajas via the alternative route," he said. "Many drivers opt for alternative routes to avoid toll payments."

While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, mechanical failure and excessive speed are suspected.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed condolences for the accident, stating that the police are leading the emergency response.

"We have a road disaster in Nariño. A private tourist bus veered off the road, resulting in 11 fatalities so far. Regrettable. The police are in charge of the emergency operation," he wrote earlier in the day on X.

-- BERNAMA-AA