At least 17 people were killed and 20 others injured after a bus carrying schoolchildren plunged off a cliff in a rural area of northern Colombia, local authorities confirmed on Sunday night.
According to a post on X on Sunday, by the governor of Antioquia, Andres Julian, said the bus was travelling from the Caribbean town of Tolu to Medellin after a school trip and was carrying students from the Antioqueño High School.
“The students had been celebrating their graduation on the beach” he said.
Describing the tragedy as devastating, Governor Julián said the incident had cast a dark shadow over the community, particularly during the festive month of December.
“It’s very hard news for the entire community during this time,” he said.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the accident as the country mourns the loss of young lives cut short during what was meant to be a celebratory trip.