Tragedy struck in northwestern Colombia as a bus carrying high school students fell into a ravine, killing 16 students and the driver. The accident occurred in the municipality of Bello, a suburb of Medellín, as the students were returning from a graduation trip to a Caribbean beach.

According to local officials, the bus veered off the road, plunging 40 meters into the ravine. Eyewitnesses and survivors described the chaos, with one survivor recalling on social media: “I was sleeping and suddenly heard screams… from that moment, I remember nothing.”

In addition to the fatalities, 22 passengers were injured, including three in critical condition, and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Colombian media footage showed the bus mangled at the bottom of the ravine, with rescue teams working to evacuate victims.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed his grief over the accident, offering condolences to the families of the victims. “I do not like it at all when young people die, even less when they are going to study or celebrate,” he said via X, referring to the “sad news for our country.”