La Paz, Bolivia—A passenger bus smashed into a stationary truck on the La Paz-Oruro highway early Thursday morning. Six passengers died upon impact. Dozens more sustained injuries in the wreck that brought transit to a standstill between the two major cities.

The bus was traveling at high speed when it encountered the truck in a lane blocked by fog. The driver reportedly swerved, but could not avoid the collision. The front section of the bus was crushed against the rear of the cargo vehicle.

Police and fire departments from both La Paz and Oruro responded to the scene. They spent hours pulling trapped survivors from the wreckage. Ambulances shuttled the injured to the nearest provincial medical centers.

The highway serves as a vital corridor for national transport, and its closure created a significant bottleneck. Officials have opened a partial lane to move the stranded traffic. Heavy machinery is being used to remove the bus and truck from the roadway.

The driver of the bus survived the incident and is currently in police custody. He will undergo mandatory testing for alcohol and fatigue. Company representatives have arrived at the scene to assist with the coordination of passenger lists.

Highway police are reviewing the signage in the area to determine if visibility warnings were adequate. The dense fog on this route is a frequent hazard for drivers. Investigators are also looking into the braking systems of both vehicles.

Families have begun arriving at the hospitals seeking word on their relatives. The government has promised a thorough investigation into the conduct of the transport company. State officials are holding a press conference later today.

The death toll could rise, as several passengers remain in critical condition. Authorities are working to identify all individuals who were on the manifest at the time of the crash. Traffic is expected to remain heavy while the forensic investigation continues.