Local media said that the bus had overturned after colliding with a car that was traveling in the opposite way.

At least 16 people were killed and eight more were injured when a passenger bus in southern Ecuador collided with a smaller vehicle on Friday, according to rescue officials.

According to the ECU911 agency on WhatsApp, “so far, the toll is 16 dead and 8 injured” from the collision that involved another car and happened in Ecuador’s Loja region, which borders Peru.

“The incident, which involved an interprovincial transport bus and a light car-type vehicle, is being investigated by firefighters, the National Police, and the Ministry of Public Health units,” the agency stated.

Local media said that the bus had overturned after colliding with a car that was traveling in the opposite way.

Alexandra Jara, the governor of Loja, said she felt “deep solidarity with the families affected by this unfortunate event.”

According to her, a health clinic close to the accident scene and Loja’s main hospital, Isidro Ayora Hospital, were both called in to handle the situation. To ensure safety and aid in rescue operations, police also blocked the route.

On social networking site X, the governor stated, “All state institutions remain on alert to provide the necessary support.”

Nine people were first admitted to the Isidro Ayora hospital, one of whom was in serious condition and one of whom had passed away, the hospital said on X.

According to the hospital, “patients who need surgery are moved to the operating room.”

One of the leading causes of death in Ecuador is traffic accidents. According to official statistics, there were about 2,400 fatalities and nearly 21,000 accidents in the nation in 2023.

Over 8,400 accidents were reported in the first five months of 2024, resulting in 848 fatalities.

Nine individuals were killed in September when a bus transporting 35 Indigenous members of the Waorani ethnic group overturned on the outskirts of Quito.

– Deeprows News