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On March 2, 2021, a tragic incident occurred at the Public University of El Alto (UPEA) in Bolivia, resulting in the deaths of several students. The incident took place when a large group of students was gathered on a crowded balcony, and a railing gave way, causing them to fall from the fourth floor. While initial reports stated that five students had died, the death toll was later revised to seven, with an additional four students injured. The incident sparked investigations and highlighted the importance of safety measures in educational institutions.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Date of incident | 2nd March 2021 |
Location | Public University of El Alto (UPEA), El Alto, Bolivia |
Number of students who died | 7 |
Number of students injured | 4 |
Floor from which students fell | Fourth floor |
Reason for fall | Balcony railing collapsed |
Age of injured and deceased students | Between 20 and 24 |
What You'll Learn
Seven students died at Bolivia University
The accident took place on March 2, 2021, during an assembly that was not allowed due to the pandemic. The students were gathered on a crowded balcony, and when the railing gave way, several students fell to their deaths. The victims were identified as Anahí, Gemio, Raúl, Saúl, Tania, Loyda, and Limber.
Footage of the incident showed students crammed into a narrow passageway, pushing and shoving as they tried to enter the assembly hall. The metal railing on the fourth-floor balcony could not withstand the weight and pressure of the students, and it gave way, causing several of them to plummet to the floor below.
The Bolivian government confirmed that seven students died and five were seriously injured in the accident. The injured and deceased were between the ages of 20 and 24. The Health Minister, Jayson Auza, provided an update on the situation, stating that some of the injured had been stabilised in hospitals in El Alto.
The incident sparked an investigation, with Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo ordering a probe into the tragic events. The university also announced that it would conduct an internal investigation and collaborate with the authorities' inquiries.
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Five students died at Bolivia University
On March 2, 2021, tragedy struck Bolivia's Public University of El Alto (UPEA) when a balcony railing collapsed, causing students to fall from the fourth floor. Five students died, and three others were left in intensive care. The incident occurred when a large group of students was gathered on a crowded balcony, and the railing gave way.
The accident happened in the university's financial sciences building, where students had gathered to attend an assembly. Dramatic video footage of the incident showed the balcony crowded with students when the railing suddenly gave way, sending several people plummeting to the ground below. The assembly was called by the Student Center and was held on an internal balcony of the building.
The deceased were identified as Anahí, Gemio, Raúl, Saúl, and Tania. The ages of the victims ranged from 20 to 24. In the aftermath of the incident, Bolivian authorities launched an investigation to determine the cause and any accountability. The university also announced an internal investigation and pledged to collaborate with the official probe.
The incident sparked discussions about student safety and the university's decision to hold a gathering during the pandemic. Parents of the students involved questioned the university's decision to conduct an in-person assembly when coronavirus restrictions were in place. The university's internal investigation and the authorities' probe aimed to provide clarity and answers in the wake of this tragic event.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures and the potential consequences of overlooking them. The investigation's findings were crucial in determining whether the tragedy could have been prevented and what steps needed to be taken to ensure the safety of students in the future.
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Students fell from the fourth floor
On March 2, 2021, a tragic incident occurred at the Public University of El Alto (UPEA) in Bolivia, resulting in the deaths of several students. As students crammed into a narrow corridor to attend an assembly, a fourth-floor balcony railing collapsed under their weight, causing them to fall.
The incident, which was captured on video, showed a large group of students jostling and pushing against the railing, which suddenly gave way. The students fell from a height of 16.7 meters, and the impact was devastating.
In total, 11 students fell from the fourth floor. Seven students lost their lives, and four others were seriously injured. The deceased included four men and three women, aged between 20 and 24. The injured students were hospitalized in critical condition, with three requiring intensive care.
The cause of death for those who fell was identified as "multiple defenestration trauma." The incident sparked an investigation, with Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo ordering a probe into the tragic events. The university also announced an internal investigation and pledged to collaborate with the authorities.
The incident shocked the nation and prompted a response from Bolivian President Luis Arce, who offered condolences to the families of the victims and called for a prompt clarification of the facts. The names of the students who lost their lives were released, allowing families to receive their remains without delay for last rites.
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Students were attending an assembly
The balcony railing then gave way, causing several students to fall to the floor below. Eight students fell, and at least seven died, with four others injured. The students who died were Anahí, Gemio, Raúl, Saúl, Tania, Loyda, and Limber. The injured and deceased were aged between 20 and 24.
The accident occurred on March 2, 2021, and an investigation was ordered by Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo. The University also announced it would start an internal investigation and collaborate with the authorities.
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The balcony railing collapsed
On March 2, 2021, a tragic incident occurred at the Public University of El Alto (UPEA) in Bolivia, resulting in the deaths of several students. The incident happened when a large group of students were gathered on a crowded balcony, and the balcony railing suddenly collapsed, causing the students to fall from the fourth floor.
The university building, located in the highland city of El Alto on the outskirts of La Paz, was the site of a student assembly that day. Footage of the incident revealed that the students were crammed into a narrow corridor, with some accounts mentioning confusion, shouting, and pushing and shoving. As they crowded onto the balcony, the weight proved too much for the railing, and it gave way, sending several students plummeting to the concrete floor below.
The initial reports from the Interior Minister, Eduardo Del Castillo, stated that there were five deaths and three injuries. However, as the Health Ministry reviewed the case, the number of fatalities was revised to seven, with four others wounded, including those in intensive care. The deceased included four men and three women, aged between 20 and 24, with specific victims identified as Anahí, Gemio, Raúl, Saúl, Tania, Loyda, and Limber.
The incident sparked outrage and grief across Bolivia, with parents of the students questioning the university's decision to hold an assembly when there were restrictions on face-to-face classes due to the ongoing pandemic. In response to the tragedy, the university announced it would conduct an internal investigation and collaborate with the authorities' probe. President Luis Arce expressed his condolences and called for a prompt clarification of the facts.
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Frequently asked questions
Seven students died at the University Public of El Alto in Bolivia.
The students died after falling from the fourth floor when a railing on the balcony gave way.
Yes, four students were wounded, and three were left in intensive care.
The injured and deceased were between the ages of 20 and 24.
The Bolivian government ordered an investigation into the accident. The university also announced that it would conduct an internal investigation and collaborate with the authorities.