Explosion on School Bus in Bolivia Leaves Five Children Dead

• Tragedy at Uncía mining school
• Cooking gas used as fuel
• Calls for improved rural transportation safety

A devastating tragedy shook Bolivia this Wednesday when a school bus burst into flames in front of a school in the mining region of Uncía, leaving a deadly toll.

Five children died instantly, while eight others suffered severe burns.

The incident occurred in broad daylight, just before the bus was scheduled to pick up 13 students, all between the ages of 12 and 17.

What was meant to be a routine trip home turned into a nightmare, leaving behind haunting images.

School Bus Explosion in Bolivia Kills Children

#DiarioViral |🚨 👉 Five #students aged 12 to 17 lost their #lives after the improvised #schoolbus they were traveling in caught fire in the mining region of #Potosí, according to Bolivian authorities. pic.twitter.com/8zirutlosm

— Diario Viral (@Diarioviral2) April 17, 2025

According to the Potosí Departmental Police Command, the fire started after two Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders exploded.

These cylinders, typically used in household stoves, had been illegally installed to power the school vehicle’s engine.

A leak in one of the tanks triggered a sudden explosion that engulfed the entire bus in flames within seconds.

The students already on board were trapped with no chance to escape.

Witnesses Describe Scenes of Desperation

| Five students die after a school bus catches fire in southwest #Bolivia. pic.twitter.com/qxoamlrgov

– Dateado (@dateadonews) April 17, 2025

Neighbors and teachers rushed to the bus, trying to rescue the children, but the fire spread too quickly.

Thick black smoke rose in front of the school while cries for help were drowned out by the horror of the moment.

The injured, suffering from second- and third-degree burns, were rushed to medical centers in Llallagua and Oruro.

Several remain in critical condition, and health authorities have not ruled out an increase in the death toll.

This tragedy has sparked a wave of outrage.

Parent organizations and child rights advocates are demanding an urgent review of school transportation, particularly in rural areas.

Due to limited resources, outdated and poorly adapted vehicles without minimum safety standards are often used.

The Bolivian government responded by declaring regional mourning and pledging financial, psychological, and medical support for the affected families.

Authorities also promised a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable and prevent similar tragedies.

“This incident cannot go unpunished,” said the Ministry of Education, according to El Heraldo de México.

They also announced plans to work on new regulations for school transportation vehicles, especially in mining and rural areas.

The community of Uncía is in mourning. Schools, businesses, and streets remain silent. Five young lives were tragically lost, and many others are still fighting to survive.