Popayan Monster Truck Crash Kills 3, Injures 38

At least three people, including a 10-year-old girl, died and 38 others were injured when a monster truck plowed into spectators during an exhibition event in Popayan, Colombia, on Sunday.

The incident occurred at the Boulevard Rose area during a show featuring modified vehicles navigating an obstacle course. Video footage showed the truck performing a stunt, appearing to do a wheelie or land from a jump, before it veered off the track, crashed through metal barriers and struck the crowd. It came to a stop after hitting an electricity pole. Authorities attributed the crash to a mechanical failure, with the brakes failing as the vehicle accelerated.

Popayan police commander Col. Julian Castaneda said the driver, who is in stable condition, could not stop the truck. "The vehicle accelerated, it couldn't brake," he told reporters. Bystanders rushed to aid the injured, including several children, as emergency services responded. A paramedic at the scene treated three people with severe injuries, among them a girl. Fire department head Francisco Arboleda noted that some victims remained in serious condition at hospitals, and the area was secured for utility repairs.