Minute30.com .- A true tragedy mourns eastern Bolivia this Monday, January 12. Twelve members of the same family lost their lives in a terrifying traffic accident on the Bioceánica route, a strategic road that connects Puerto Quijarro with Puerto Suárez, near the border with Brazil.

The accident, which occurred about 641 kilometers from Santa Cruz, has exposed a chain of negligence that ended in the death of at least four minors.

The horror: A tree crushed the vehicle

According to the official report of the Bolivian Police, the bus left the road at high speed and violently hit a large tree. Seconds after the crash, the tree structure collapsed and fell directly onto the bus, crushing most of the occupants who were already stunned by the first impact.

The driver was a minor under 13 years old, allegedly drunk.

The preliminary investigation has left authorities stunned. According to the testimonies and the first investigations:

The vehicle was driven by a teenager of just 13 years old, who is presumed to have been intoxicated.

The family was returning from a 15th birthday party. Apparently, the minor took control of the wheel under these conditions, which caused the bus to lose control in the early morning.

Devastating balance

The accident scene was described by rescuers as Dantesque. In addition to the 12 fatalities, several occupants suffered extremely serious injuries and were taken to nearby care centers.

Bolivian authorities have launched a criminal investigation to determine the responsibility of the surviving adults or guardians who allowed a 13-year-old boy, under the influence of alcohol, to be in charge of a passenger transport vehicle.