At least 17 people were killed and 20 others injured after a bus carrying schoolchildren plunged off a cliff in a rural area of northern Colombia, local authorities confirmed on Sunday night.
The governor of Antioquia, Andrés Julián, said the bus was returning to Medellín from the Caribbean town of Tolú following a school trip. The vehicle was transporting students of Antioqueño High School who had been celebrating their graduation at the beach.
Details surrounding the cause of the crash were not immediately clear, but emergency services were deployed to the remote area to assist survivors and recover victims. Those injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, with several reported to be in serious condition.
Describing the tragedy as devastating, Governor Julián said the incident had cast a dark shadow over the community, particularly during the festive month of December.
“It’s very hard news for the entire community during this time,” he said.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the accident as the country mourns the loss of young lives cut short during what was meant to be a celebratory trip.
Melissa Enoch
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