The tragedy happened on the fourth floor of the Public University of El Alto near La Paz.
LA PAZ, March 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — At least five students were killed and three more were injured after a fourth-floor railing gave way at the Public University of El Alto (UPEA) in western Bolivia, the government said.
“So far we have the report of 5 dead people and 3 people in intensive care after what happened at the #UPEA facilities” near the city of La Paz, Minister of Government Carlos Eduardo Del Castillo said on Twitter.
“I have just instructed the Chief of Police, Jhonny Aguilera, to go to the site to make a full report of what happened,” Del Castillo added.
According to a report from El Alto Police Commander Col. Leonel Jimenez, the fatal accident occurred during a gathering of Business Administration students.
Video posted on social media showed an altercation broke out while scores of students crowded into an interior corridor, leading to pushing and shoving before the railing collapsed.
Jimenez said the circumstances of the accident were being investigated to determine responsibilities.
The accident occurred in the university’s financial sciences building, where students were gathered to attend an assembly.
It is not clear why so many students were allowed to gather outside the classroom during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bolivian President Luis Arce said: “We regret the tragedy that occurred at the Public University of #ElAlto (UPEA), where there were several deaths and injuries.
“Our deepest condolences to the people of El Alto and to the suffering families. We await the prompt clarification of the facts.” — NNN-AGENCIES
