Colombian school bus falls off cliff killing at least 17 people, injuring 20

At least 17 people, including students, were killed and 20 others injured after a school bus fell off a cliff in northern Colombia on Sunday, authorities said.

The bus, carrying students from Antioqueño High School, was travelling from the Caribbean town of Tolú to Medellín following a school trip. The students had been celebrating their graduation on the beach. The accident occurred in a rural area of El Chispero, Antioquia.

A vigil was held in Medellín on Sunday night, where school chairs were arranged with the faces of the children who died, and mourners lit candles in their memory.

The cause of the accident is under investigation. Preliminary reports previously suggested the driver may have suffered a “microsleep,” a brief lapse in consciousness, but authorities are yet to confirm the exact circumstances.

The injured include minors and adults, who were taken to hospitals in Segovia and Remedios for treatment. Antioqueño High School expressed deep regret over the tragedy and offered condolences and support to the affected families and students of the graduating class of 2025.

Colombia’s National Road Safety Agency emphasised the importance of responsible driving and adherence to traffic laws to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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