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At least three people are killed and 38 others are injured when a monster truck crashes into a crowd at an exhibition event in Popayán, Cauca Department, Colombia.
Developing
In Short: At least three people are killed and 38 others injured when a monster truck crashes into a crowd during an exhibition event in Popayán, Cauca Department, Colombia.
At least three people are killed and 38 others are injured when a monster truck crashes into a crowd at an exhibition event in Popayán, Cauca Department, Colombia, according to BBC reports.
Video footage of the incident shows the truck crashing through a barrier and plowing into the crowd before hitting an electricity pole, with people seen running away in the background.
The police commander of Popayán, Col Julián Castañeda, stated that there was a mechanical failure with the truck, and officials vowed to clarify the incident with responsibility and transparency.
Regional governor Octavio Guzmán expressed solidarity with the families of those affected and with the city of Popayán, emphasizing the tragic nature of the accident.
The incident occurred during a show on Sunday in the southern city of Popayán, where it is believed the driver's brakes failed, leading to the crash.
Background
Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia, is a country located in South America, with insular regions in North America. Colombia's mainland is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north, Venezuela to the east, Brazil to the southeast, Peru and Ecuador to the south and southwest, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and Panama to the northwest.
Cauca Department is a department of Southwestern Colombia. Located in the southwestern part of the country, facing the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Valle del Cauca Department to the north, Tolima Department to the northeast, Huila Department to the east, and Nariño Department to the south.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- Police said it is believed the driver's brakes failed during a show on Sunday in the southern city of Popayán in the province of Cauca.
- Video of the incident shows people running as the truck crashes through a barrier and ploughs into the crowd, before coming to a stop, hitting an electricity pole.
- Authorities said at least 38 people were injured.
- Popayán police commander Col Julián Castañeda told outlet El Tiempo it appeared there was a mechanical failure with the truck.
- "These events, which should never have happened, will be clarified with total responsibility and transparency," Juan Carlos Muñoz Bravo said.
- Regional governor Octavio Guzmán said: "We express our solidarity with the families of those affected by this tragic accident, as well as with our capital city, Popayán."