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Monster truck crash in Popayán kills three, injures dozens
🇨🇴 Colombia /Disasters & Emergencies

Monster truck crash in Popayán kills three, injures dozens

From El Tiempo · (12m ago) Spanish Critical tone

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A monster truck exhibition in Popayán, Colombia, turned tragic when a vehicle lost control and plowed into a crowd, resulting in three deaths and at least 40 injuries.
  • A paramedic described the harrowing scene, recounting how he had to control onlookers and perform resuscitation efforts amidst the chaos.
  • Authorities are investigating the incident, with initial reports suggesting a mechanical failure caused the truck to go off track and accelerate uncontrollably.

The vibrant atmosphere of a monster truck exhibition in Popayán was shattered on Sunday, May 3rd, when a catastrophic event unfolded, leaving a trail of devastation. A modified vehicle, known for its immense power and spectacle, veered off course and plunged into a densely packed audience, transforming a day of entertainment into a scene of unimaginable horror. The immediate aftermath saw three lives tragically cut short and at least 40 individuals sustaining injuries, painting a grim picture of the day's events.

The car passed in front of me, a few meters away. I am a nurse, a paramedic, and an emergency coordinator, and I must say it was very hard, seeing how the car was approaching a trailer with a lot of people on it.

— Andrés HurtadoA paramedic describing the terrifying moments before the monster truck hit the crowd.

Paramedic Andrés Hurtado, who was present at the scene, shared his harrowing experience. Positioned mere meters from the runaway vehicle, he witnessed the terrifying moments as the truck careened towards a trailer filled with spectators. His training kicked in as he worked to manage the panicked crowd and provide critical care to the injured. Hurtado recounted the desperate need for emergency services, highlighting his own efforts to perform resuscitation on a patient and attend to a critically injured child experiencing convulsions.

If it hadn't been for that, the loss (of lives) would have been much greater.

— Andrés HurtadoA paramedic reflecting on how a collision with a post may have limited the casualties.

Authorities, including the Popayán Police and the Governor of Cauca, have launched investigations into the incident. Preliminary information suggests a mechanical failure as the likely cause, leading to an uncontrollable acceleration. The event, described as private, is now under intense scrutiny as the community grapples with the loss and the questions surrounding safety protocols. The tragic loss of a young student from the Franciscanas educational institution has added a layer of profound sorrow, underscoring the devastating impact of this accident on the local community.

Please, I need urgent support.

— Andrés HurtadoA paramedic calling for emergency assistance during the chaotic aftermath of the accident.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Tiempo in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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