At least eight people, including two children, have died after a bus overturned in Colombia on Saturday morning. The coach left the road and came to rest on its side, and a further 20 people were taken to hospital following the crash.
Crash on Route 45
The bus was travelling from Florencia, in the Caquetá region, towards the capital Bogotá when the accident happened on Route 45 in the Huila region. Emergency services worked to rescue survivors from the wreckage, and the injured were taken to hospitals across the Neiva region.
Authorities have confirmed that eight people died in the crash, including two children.
Investigation under way
Police are reportedly investigating whether the 26-year-old driver fell asleep behind the wheel, although officials have yet to establish the precise cause of the crash. Road authorities said in a preliminary statement: "According to preliminary information, the vehicle was traveling south to north when, upon reaching kilometre 94.5, the driver lost control of the vehicle."
An investigation has been launched to establish exactly what happened in the moments before the bus overturned. The tragedy occurred during a holiday weekend marking Cartagena's Independence from Spain.
Road safety concerns
The crash comes amid growing concerns over road safety in Colombia. Figures from road safety officials show that 4,751 people died in traffic accidents across the country between January and June 2026, a 20% increase on the same period last year.
