A serious accident occurred in Pericongo, a critical sector of the department of Huila. Where a bus plunged into the waters of the Magdalena River while covering the route between Florencia and Cali.

The accident, which occurred on the morning of January 6, has so far left a tragic balance of one person dead and at least 15 injured, several of them with serious injuries.

The vehicle was carrying 18 people in total: 16 passengers, the driver and an assistant. According to preliminary reports from the traffic authorities, the driver would have lost control of the heavy vehicle in the sector known as ‘Las Pailas de La Gaitana’, on the road that connects the municipalities of Altamira and Timaná.

The bus left the road and rolled down the abyss until it was partially submerged in the river, unleashing moments of absolute panic among the occupants who were struggling to get out of the water.

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The emergency was attended to by a massive deployment of the fire departments of Timaná, Altamira, San Agustín and Pitalito, who together with the Ruta al Sur Concessionaire led the rescue maneuvers.

The injured were rescued from among the cans and the cold waters of the Magdalena to be urgently transferred to healthcare centers in the area, where they receive specialized medical care. For his part, the driver suffered minor bruises and is in the custody of the authorities to present his version of the events.

The authorities have already begun technical investigations to determine whether the accident in Pericongo was due to mechanical failure or human error.

Photo taken from social networks.

Photo taken from social networks.

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