Woman dies after nearly 100-metre fall at waterfall in Bolivia
A 21-year-old fell nearly 100 metres into Bolivia's Pajcha River while photographing a waterfall as her family watched.
Bacilia Rojas Antezana was 21 years old. She was at Sehuencas waterfall in Cochabamba, Bolivia with her family on Tuesday.
When she climbed onto a rocky section to take a photograph, Bacilia slipped and fell almost 100 metres into the Pajcha River below. The river was moving fast.
Her family told authorities at around 6pm. Rescuers began searching right away.
Firefighters, police officers and community members joined the search. Bacilia's body was found in the water several hours later.
It was wedged on rocks. Rescuers said recovering the body was difficult.
The rocky ground and fast river made it hard. Community members helped get the body out.
The waterfall had been closed earlier this year. Bolivia's planning and environment ministry closed it because of safety concerns.
- 99.9 metres (328 feet)
- Height of fall
- Sehuencas waterfall, Cochabamba, Bolivia
- Location
- 21 years old
- Victim's age
- Waterfall closed earlier in the year
- Prior closure
Why it mattersHer death shows how risky it is to visit unstable natural areas for photos. Popular tourist sites need better safety measures to protect visitors.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect, but the incident is a reminder for Australians travelling to international waterfalls to follow safety guidelines and respect closure orders.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 4 h ago
