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Police Yet to Find Bus Attackers on Oruro-Cochabamba Highway, Calls Passenger’s Death “Accidental”

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A highway ambush in Km. 101 near Confital on the Oruro-Cochabamba Highway (Ruta Nacional 4) resulted in one passenger’s death and several injuries this past weekend. The Bolivian Special Force to Fight Crime (FELCC) is investigating the incident, which involved more than a dozen hooded assailants setting up an illegal checkpoint to extort money from passing vehicles.

Stones Thrown, Driver Tries to Speed Away, Passenger Killed: The attackers pelted the bus with stones, causing significant damage and injuring passengers. In an attempt to escape, the driver sped away, tragically striking and fatally injuring a passenger who was in front of the bus.

Police Increase Patrols, Investigate Illegal Checkpoints: Colonel Martín Gálvez, commander of the Highway Patrol, confirmed intensified patrols along the route and collaboration with transportation personnel. A new QR code system allows drivers to report suspicious activity directly to authorities. 

Passenger’s Death Deemed Accidental, Investigation Ongoing: Colonel Gálvez emphasized that while the passenger’s death occurred during the attack, it was an accident caused by the driver fleeing the assailants. He reiterated the commitment of authorities to apprehend the attackers and prevent similar crimes.

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