The accident occurred on National Route 45 while the bus was traveling from Florencia to the capital, Bogotá, Xinhua reported, citing local media.
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According to preliminary reports, two children were among those killed in the crash. Authorities were still working to confirm the final death toll and identify the victims.
The accident reportedly occurred near the Los Cauchos toll station, close to the municipality of Rivera, along the highway connecting Neiva and Campoalegre.
Traffic police, firefighters and highway concession workers responded to the scene, coordinating rescue operations and providing emergency assistance to the victims.
The injured passengers were transported to hospitals in the nearby city of Neiva for medical treatment.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Preliminary findings suggest that the driver may have briefly fallen asleep at the wheel, causing him to lose control of the vehicle. However, the exact cause of the accident has not yet been officially established.
