A serious accident on one of Colombia’s main roads has affected not only local residents, but also everyone planning trips during the holiday period. The incident occurred on a busy stretch between Zipaquirá and Ubaté, about 40 minutes from Bogotá. The aftermath of the crash has already impacted the region’s transport accessibility and the work of emergency services.
According to local authorities, the tragedy happened early in the morning when a truck carrying milk suddenly lost control due to a technical malfunction. The driver was unable to brake, and the vehicle crashed into six cars and a motorcycle. As a result of the collision, a fire broke out, engulfing several vehicles and even reaching the Casablanca toll booth area.
Causes and details of the incident
The governor of Cundinamarca reported that the victims included a child and the motorcycle driver. Four of the deceased were in one passenger car, where there was also a pet. All the victims were found after the fire had almost completely destroyed the vehicles. According to RUSSPAIN.COM, similar accidents on busy downhill roads are often linked to speeding and technical issues with trucks.
The injured were taken to nearby medical facilities, including the Regional Hospital of Zipaquirá, the Functional Hospital of Zipaquirá, and the San Luis Clinic in Cajicá. Among those hurt were ten women. Doctors continue to provide care, while authorities coordinate rescue efforts and advise the public to choose alternative routes.
Response and aftermath
Eyewitness videos shared on social media show people trying to put out the flames themselves and help the injured. The fire was so intense that some vehicles were completely destroyed. Authorities temporarily closed the section of road to allow emergency services to work and to investigate the cause of the accident.
The road where the tragedy occurred is known for its challenging terrain: vehicles often pick up speed on the downhill section, increasing the risk of accidents. According to the governor, high speed and technical issues were key factors in the incident. Preliminary reports suggest the truck driver could not avoid the collision due to the junction’s layout and heavy traffic near the toll station.
Context and statistics
The accident happened during Semana Santa, a period when millions of Colombians travel across the country. According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, over 10 million people are on the move these days, a 7% increase compared to last year. The rise in traffic puts extra pressure on the roads and calls for heightened attention to vehicle maintenance.
In recent years, Colombia has seen an increase in road accidents involving trucks, especially on challenging road sections. Analysis by russpain.com shows that such incidents most often occur during periods of large-scale population movement. In 2025, a similar accident involving a truck took place on the Medellín–Bogotá highway, injuring dozens of people. The country’s authorities continue to implement measures to improve road safety, but issues with vehicle maintenance and speed limit compliance remain pressing.
