On Saturday morning, March 1, 2025, a deadly bus collision in Bolivia’s Potosi region claimed the lives of at least 37 people and left 39 injured. The tragic incident took place in the western part of the country.
The accident happened around 7:00 a.m. local time on the route between Uyuni and Colchani. One of the buses veered into the opposing lane, causing the collision a few miles from Uyuni. This city is known as the entrance to the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, spanning over 3,900 square miles.
The Departmental Police Command of Potosi confirmed the deaths through a spokesperson.
One of the buses was en route to Oruro, the host of one of the most significant carnival celebrations in Latin America. This festive city has now been associated with one of Bolivia’s deadliest transport accidents this year.
Images from Radio Uyuni showed police officers working to rescue survivors from the twisted metal remains of the buses. The footage also revealed bodies covered in blankets scattered across the vast Andean plains as emergency services attended the scene.
Initial investigation reports suggested that the accident might have been caused by impaired driving. A police spokesperson stated that passengers saw one of the drivers, both of whom survived the crash, consuming alcohol prior to the incident. Blood test results are still pending.
Reports indicated a difference in the drivers’ conditions: one was in intensive care, while the other was stable.
Certain reports suggest that children were among the victims, but the exact number varies among sources. One report specifically mentioned eight minors among the dead, while another stated that “at least 37 people dead, including two children” were killed in the crash.
The injured victims were distributed among four hospitals in Uyuni, according to the spokesperson for the Departmental Police Command of Potosi. More severely injured victims were moved to larger medical facilities in Oruro and Potosí for specialized treatment. The precise distribution of patients and the severity of their conditions have not been detailed.
This horrific crash underscores the persistent road safety problems in Bolivia, notorious for having some of the world’s most dangerous roads. The combination of mountainous terrain, poor road conditions, and limited oversight contribute to hazardous travel conditions. These conditions result in approximately 1,400 deaths annually in Bolivia, a nation with about 12 million residents, according to government data.
Last month, another deadly accident occurred on Bolivia’s perilous roads: a bus fell approximately 2,600 feet off a mountain road, leading to 31 deaths. In January, a bus accident near Potosí resulted in 19 deaths when the vehicle left the roadway.
Most intercity travel in Bolivia is by bus, with safety standards varying widely. Major accidents have been attributed to drunk driving, mechanical faults, and challenging road conditions, especially during rainy seasons.
Most of Bolivia’s roads are unpaved and lack safety features such as shoulders, fences, or barriers. Highway markings are sparse, adding to the danger, particularly in mountainous regions where vehicles with four-wheel drive are recommended.
Bolivia’s road accident death rate is one of the highest in Latin America. The Potosi region contributes significantly to this figure, accounting for 10.6% of all traffic-related deaths in the country.
Local law in Bolivia mandates that drivers involved in traffic accidents must remain at the scene until police arrive.