At least 16 people have been confirmed dead and about 20 others injured after a school bus carrying students plunged approximately 250 feet down a steep ravine in Colombia, in one of the country’s deadliest road accidents involving schoolchildren in recent times.
The tragic incident occurred at about 5.40 am local time on Thursday near the town of Remedios in the Antioquia department. The bus was transporting teenagers from Liceo Antioqueno, a secondary school in Bello near Medellin, who were returning from a graduation trip. The students had reportedly travelled earlier in the week to celebrate the completion of their secondary education.
Witnesses and emergency responders described a devastating scene. Harrowing images circulating in local media showed the overturned bus at the bottom of the ravine, with bodies of dead or critically injured students lying in dense undergrowth. Survivors were seen sitting on rocks, many in shock and tears, as rescue teams worked to reach them.
Antioquia State Governor Andres Julian Rendon confirmed the accident and described the day as one of deep mourning for the state. He explained that the bus had been travelling from Tolu to Medellin when it veered off the Belen road in the El Chispero area, between the towns of Remedios and Zaragoza.
“People of Antioquia, today is a very sad day. We woke up to the news of a tragic accident involving a school bus returning from a graduation trip. So far, more than a dozen people are reported dead and around 20 injured,” Rendon said in an earlier statement. He added that the entire hospital network in the area had been placed on emergency alert to treat the injured.
In a later address from outside the hospital in Remedios, the governor confirmed that the victims were students aged mostly between 16 and 18. He said they had been celebrating their graduation shortly before the crash and described the loss as heartbreaking for families and the wider community.
One of the fatalities has been identified as the bus driver, Johnatan Taborda Cocacolo. Authorities said the cause of the accident had not yet been determined, but an investigation has been launched to establish whether mechanical failure, road conditions or human error played a role.
Senior Prom Fest, the party and transport company hired to organise the trip, issued a statement expressing profound regret over the tragedy. The company confirmed that 34 students, one guide and two drivers were on board the bus at the time of the crash.
“Seniors Fest deeply regrets the serious accident that occurred during the return from an excursion. We express our most sincere condolences and solidarity with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives,” the statement said. The company added that its priority was providing support and care for the injured students and emotional assistance to affected families, while fully cooperating with authorities.
Messages of condolence have continued to pour in from public officials and community leaders. Colombian councillor John Concejal described the incident as a tragedy that has left the municipality of Bello and the entire Antioquia region in mourning. He shared a photograph of the students believed to have been taken just hours before the accident and extended prayers to the bereaved families.
The management of Liceo Antioqueno also issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of its students. The school said it was offering support to grieving families and counselling to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
Emergency services continued rescue and recovery operations at the crash site, while hospitals treated survivors with injuries ranging from fractures to critical trauma. Authorities said further updates would be provided as investigations into the cause of the accident continue.
The tragedy has renewed calls for improved road safety measures, especially for vehicles transporting students, as Colombia grapples with the devastating impact of the crash on young lives and their families.
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