An attack at the La Lizama tollbooth generated panic and serious damage to the road infrastructure in the early hours of this Monday, December 15, after an explosive charge completely destroyed the station located on the road that connects Bucaramanga with Barrancabermeja, in the department of Santander.

The incident occurred around 2:30 in the morning, when two men traveling on motorcycles arrived at the scene, fired shots into the air and forced the toll workers to evacuate. Subsequently, they abandoned a motorcycle loaded with explosives that detonated minutes later, causing the total destruction of the structure.

As a result of the attack, a toll official was injured and was taken to a healthcare center, where she is receiving medical attention.

Also read: The Colombia Under-16 National Team knows its path in the UC Cup in Santiago

The authorities confirmed that there were no fatalities, although the attack caused fear among the inhabitants of the area and the users of this important road corridor in the Magdalena Medio.

Although the road remains partially enabled, the authorities recommended that drivers move with caution and follow the instructions of the Public Force, while the structural damage is evaluated and the passage is completely restored.

The Government of Santander ordered to reinforce the presence of the Army and Police in the area to prevent new acts of violence. In addition, a reward of up to $50 million pesos was announced for information that allows the identification and capture of those responsible for the attack.

The authorities enabled lines 123 of the Police, 165 of the Gaula and 107 of the National Army to receive information from citizens, reiterating the call to report any suspicious event that may put the security of the department at risk.

Courtesy photo.

More news from Colombia