Monster truck crash kills two in Colombia

At least two people were killed and dozens were injured when a monster truck lost control and ploughed into spectators at an exhibition in Popayán, in Colombia’s Cauca province, authorities said. Video circulating on social media showed the large vehicle clearing an obstacle, then failing to brake, breaching a barrier and veering into a crowd before coming to rest against an electricity pole. Emergency services arrived quickly; ambulances transported the wounded to nearby hospitals and firefighters helped secure the scene as crews worked to stabilise victims and clear debris.

Local officials confirmed one of the deceased was a 10‑year‑old girl, and a second person died after being evacuated to hospital. At least 37 people were reported injured, with some sustaining serious trauma. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as spectators fled and bystanders attempted to assist the wounded. Photographs and video from the scene show fallen motorcycles and people attending to the injured while the disabled truck loomed in the background.

Police and regional authorities said preliminary indications pointed to a mechanical failure of the truck’s braking system. Popayán’s police commander said the vehicle accelerated and could not brake; the driver was reported in stable condition. The city mayor vowed a rigorous investigation to determine responsibility and whether organisers followed safety protocols, including barrier placement, vehicle inspections and crowd management. The regional governor expressed solidarity with victims’ families and said local institutional capacity had been mobilised to care for the injured.

Officials warned that inquiries would cover both technical causes and organisational oversight, noting the need to review compliance with standards for motorsport exhibitions that feature heavy, high-powered vehicles. The incident has raised urgent questions about event safety, including emergency response readiness, the adequacy of barriers and the certification of vehicles and drivers. Authorities said they would coordinate with hospitals, forensic teams and civil protection agencies while continuing medical treatment and support for those affected.