World

Some 20 Dead in Colombia Bus Crash

by Sanjay Jha | February 3, 2009 at 07:40 pm

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At least 20 people reportedly died in a road accident in the west of Colombia Tuesday when the intercity bus that carried them crashed into a ravine. Some unconfirmed media reports says death toll around 37.

The bus, carrying 40 passengers from Medellín to the Chocó capital of Quibdo, fell in the abyss for unknown reasons, but unofficial sources say the road where the accident happened is in a bad state, making drivers often undertake unexpected maneuvering.

Over 20 deaths may be the toll of a fatal accident reported in Choco, northwest Colombia, say preliminary reports.

Choco Major’s Advisor Enrique Valencia says an inter-municipal bus with 40 people aboard fell off a 120-meter cliff in Santa Ana District, one hour ride from Carmen de Atrato Municipality.

The bus ride began at 18:00 hours of Medellin to Quibdo, capital of Choco, with 30 travellers but picked up more on the road so the exact number of people involved is still unknown.

Carmen de Atrato Mayor Rafael Montona told radio Caracol that the rescue team was unable to reach the bottom of the cliff at first but the Army rescued two children and a woman.

On going probe will establish whether the accident is to blame to mechanical failure or poor road conditions.