Bus accident in Medellín leaves one dead, 16 injured

A bus carrying more than 40 passengers, mostly elderly, on a religious pilgrimage crashed in Medellín on Saturday morning, leaving one person dead and 16 injured. The accident occurred around 8:00 a.m. on Calle 67 (Barranquilla) with Carrera 48, near the Hospital Metro station. The deceased was identified as María Luz Mila Puerta Sucerquia, 59, as confirmed by Mayor Federico Gutiérrez Source: El Colombiano.

The crash

The bus, which had departed from the San Sebastián Mártir church in the Manrique neighborhood, was heading to Guarne for a pilgrimage Source: El Tiempo. According to witnesses, the vehicle had already experienced mechanical issues while traveling through Manrique, prompting several stops before continuing Source: El Colombiano. As it descended the steep slope of Barranquilla from Palos Verdes, the driver lost control, and the bus overturned onto its side Source: El Tiempo. Security cameras captured the moment of the crash Source: El Tiempo.

Response and investigation

Emergency services, including firefighters, the Health Secretariat, and Mobility agents, responded to the scene. Of the 16 injured, four were in critical condition and transported to hospitals such as Hospital General, Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, and San Vicente Fundación Source: El Colombiano. The accident caused the closure of Barranquilla Avenue and disrupted Metroplús Line 1 service between Hospital and Palos Verdes Source: El Colombiano. Authorities are investigating whether a brake failure caused the crash Source: El Tiempo.