A devastating collision between a bus and an SUV led to one of Bolivia's deadliest transportation accidents this year.

According to the Daily Mail, at least 31 people perished when a passenger bus tumbled 1,600 feet down a ravine in Potosí after colliding with an SUV on Monday, leaving 22 others injured in the catastrophic incident.

The bus, operated by Challapata Fleet, was en route from Orubu to a station in Potosí when the tragic accident occurred.

Among the victims was 11-year-old Phillip Martilano Flores, whose name appeared on a list released by Potosí Departmental Police.

Details of the fatal mountain collision

Police have detained 23-year-old SUV driver Grover Portillo, who suffered a leg injury and was hospitalized following the crash.

Investigators are working to determine the exact cause of the accident as conflicting accounts emerge from those involved. Portillo maintains his innocence, claiming the bus encroached into his lane moments before impact.

Portillo told authorities about his version of events. His statement to Bolivian newspaper El Deber revealed:

I don't remember anything. I only know that I was going this way, in my lane, the [bus] just came, it appeared suddenly, I wanted to turn and I couldn't.

President Luis Arce took to social media to address the tragedy. His Facebook post emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to establish responsibility for the devastating crash.

Pattern of deadly transportation incidents

The latest accident follows closely on the heels of another major transportation disaster in Bolivia. Just days earlier, 37 people lost their lives and 40 others sustained injuries when two buses collided on a road connecting the western cities of Colchani and Uyuni.

Initial findings from the earlier crash suggested one of the buses had crossed into oncoming traffic, likely due to excessive speed. The Bolivian Ministry of Government released these preliminary conclusions as emergency responders worked at the scene.

Recovery efforts at the previous crash site required specialized equipment, including a crane to right an overturned bus. First responders faced the grim task of retrieving victims' bodies from the wreckage and transporting them away, wrapped in blankets.

Government response and investigation progress

Bolivian authorities have launched comprehensive investigations into both tragic incidents.

President Arce's administration has pledged full support to affected families while emphasizing the importance of determining the root causes of these accidents.

Law enforcement officials are gathering evidence and testimonies from survivors to piece together the sequence of events leading to the latest crash. The detention of driver Grover Portillo marks a significant development in the investigation.

Emergency response teams continue working at the crash site, coordinating with local hospitals to provide care for the injured. The challenging terrain has complicated rescue and recovery efforts in the mountainous region.

Summary of tragic mountain incident

The devastating collision between a Challapata Fleet bus and an SUV on a Potosí highway resulted in 31 fatalities and 22 injuries. The incident occurred when the bus plunged 1,600 feet into a ravine after impact with the SUV driven by Grover Portillo, who is now in custody.

Authorities are investigating the exact circumstances while providing support to victims' families. The crash adds to recent transportation tragedies in Bolivia, highlighting ongoing safety concerns on the country's mountain highways as officials work to prevent future incidents through thorough investigation and potential policy changes.