A series of severe traffic accidents across South America on July 20, 2024, has resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, raising serious concerns about road safety in the region.The most devastating incident occurred in Bolivia, where a collision between a truck and a bus on a highway in the Andes mountains resulted in at least 16 deaths and 14 injuries. The bus was carrying passengers from Bolivia to Chile when it collided with a truck traveling in the opposite direction. In a disturbing development, suspected smugglers reportedly arrived at the scene and burned the cargo of the truck involved, potentially interfering with the police investigation.According to Nilo Torrico, director of the Accident Division of the La Paz Traffic Operations Organization, the truck driver, who was driving on the wrong side of the road, was responsible for the accident. The police are investigating whether the truck was carrying contraband goods.In Brazil, a multi-vehicle pileup on the Via Dutra highway near Rio de Janeiro involved popular singer MC Melody. The accident, which occurred at km 290 in Barra Mansa, involved approximately 10 vehicles. Melody, who was on her way to a show, reported minor injuries but assured fans that no one was killed in the incident.In Peru, a tragic accident claimed the lives of a family when their car lost control and fell into a 100-meter deep abyss in the Puno region. The driver, Víctor Raúl Ordóñez Mamani, died instantly, while two family members were seriously injured.These incidents have prompted investigations into their causes, with authorities in various countries working to determine the circumstances surrounding each accident. The series of accidents has highlighted the need for increased road safety measures and driver awareness across the region.According to official statistics, road accidents in Bolivia alone claim the lives of around 1,400 people and injure about 40,000 each year, underscoring the urgent need for improved road safety measures in the country and the broader region.
Key points
- A series of severe traffic accidents across South America on July 20, 2024, resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries.
- The deadliest incident in Bolivia involved a truck-bus collision, killing at least 16 and injuring 14.
- Suspected smugglers allegedly burned the cargo of the truck involved in the Bolivia accident, potentially interfering with the investigation.
- These incidents have highlighted the urgent need for improved road safety measures across the region.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported number of vehicles involved in the MC Melody accident, with some sources stating ‘at least 10’ and others saying ‘approximately 10’.
