Five students plummet to their deaths after balcony crush led to railing collapse at Bolivia university

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DISTURBING footage shows a balcony railing collapsing today at a university killing at least five students, authorities said.

The young people were seen falling after the barrier buckled under the weight of dozens of people in a college in Bolivia.

Shocking footage shows the students packed into the balcony

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Shocking footage shows the students packed into the balcony
The youngsters jostled for position before the railing buckled

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The youngsters jostled for position before the railing buckled
At least five people have died after falling

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At least five people have died after falling

The tragedy happened on the fourth floor of a building at the Public University of El Alto near La Paz.

Three of the students are being treated in intensive care after at least eight people fell, officials said.

Dramatic video footage showed a large group of students jostling for position on the crowded balcony before the railing gives way.

Interior Minister Eduardo Del Castillo tweeted: “So far we have a report of five dead and three people in intensive care after what happened at the #UPEA facilities.”

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.

Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the fatal accident.

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.”

People gathered outside the college after the accident

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People gathered outside the college after the accidentCredit: EPA
Police watch a mobile device at the scene of the balcony collapse

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Police watch a mobile device at the scene of the balcony collapseCredit: Reuters
The tragedy happened at Public University of El Alto near La Paz

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The tragedy happened at Public University of El Alto near La PazCredit: Google Maps