A collision between a minibus and a semi-truck occurred at kilometer 45 of the Pan-American Highway, in the sector known as El Cabuyal, within the jurisdiction of the Pescador district, municipality of Caldono, Cauca, leaving several people dead and several injured on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The accident took place on the road connecting Popayán and Cali.

Emergency response teams rushed to the scene to assist victims following the crash. The vehicle involved belongs to the company Velotax and bears license plate KUM-169.

The magnitude of the tragedy forced the immediate closure of this crucial corridor, disrupting traffic and causing massive congestion, which compelled authorities to recommend the use of alternative routes while work continues in the area, according to information reported by El País.

Following the impact, both vehicles caught fire, igniting massive flames. Witnesses captured the scene on their mobile phones, recording a pillar of fire visible from a great distance and the shock of bystanders, who were screaming, "My God, they are destroyed."

Locals and workers from the Popayán-Santander de Quilichao dual carriageway construction project were the first to aid the victims, shouting for the road to be closed to prevent further accidents. "Close the road, don't let any more vehicles pass," stated witnesses cited by the aforementioned media outlet.

Subsequently, fire departments from nearby towns such as Piendamó and Santander de Quilichao arrived on the scene to assist in managing the emergency.

Road authorities and relief agencies, along with Traffic Police units, quickly deployed to assist the victims, control the fire, and assess the extent of the crash. The road closure worsened traffic issues on the Pan-American Highway, considered a strategic artery in southwestern Colombia.

The official death toll stands at four so far, though bystanders fear the number may rise as the bus was traveling at full capacity, according to testimonies gathered by El País.

As judicial investigations proceed, authorities recommend that drivers stay informed through official channels and use alternative routes until normal traffic flow is restored.

At the time of this publication, Infobae Colombia attempted to contact the Directorate of Traffic and Transport but was unable to reach them.