Authorities believe the driver may have experienced an episode of “microsleep”— a sudden episode of sleep or drowsiness

NEED TO KNOW

• At least six people were killed and 11 others were injured after a bus overturned on a highway in southwestern Colombia on Saturday, Nov. 14
• The driver is believed to have experienced an episode of “microsleep” — a sudden episode of sleep or drowsiness
• “We express our deepest condolences to their families and offer our support to the 11 people who were injured, wishing them a speedy recovery,” said the National Police

At least six people were killed and 11 others injured after a bus overturned in southwestern Colombia. 

In the early hours of Saturday, Nov. 14, the National Police announced that a bus overturned on the Garzón–Neiva highway in Huila after the driver may have briefly fallen asleep at the wheel, the Associated Press, El Nuevo Siglo and Colombia News reported.

The bus had departed from the community of San Vicente in Colombia’s southern department of Caquetá and was headed to the capital, Bogotá, per the outlets. The victims of the tragedy have not yet been publicly identified. 

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“We express our deepest condolences to their families and offer our support to the 11 people who were injured, wishing them a speedy recovery,” the National Police said in a statement to Colombia News, as translated from Spanish. 

Preliminary information shows that the accident involved a public passenger transport vehicle that lost control and rolled over onto its side, per the outlet. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. 

Videos shared on social media show first responders assisting passengers who were injured in the accident and helping others out of the vehicle. 

Authorities stated in a police report that they believe the driver may have experienced an episode of “microsleep” — a sudden temporary episode of sleep or drowsiness, per the Associated Press.

Following the tragedy, Col. Edwin Orlando Correa, the director of transit and transportation for the National Police, urged public transport drivers to ensure that they are adequately rested before holding people’s lives in their hands. 

“We cannot allow tiredness, fatigue, or microsleep to end up becoming a tragedy,” he said, per Colombia News. “Before starting a route, you must ensure adequate rest and, if you feel sleepy during the journey, stop.”

“No schedule or commitment is more important than life,” he added. 

The National Police did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. 

#Dead #Injured #Bus #Overturns #Highway #Driver #Allegedly #Fell #Asleep #Wheel