20 killed, 36 injured in roadside blast in southwestern Colombia

• Governor declares 3 days of mourning in Cauca after explosive device targets civilian bus on Pan-American highway

A roadside bomb exploded in southwestern Colombia, killing 20 people, including 15 women, and injuring 36 others, Cauca Governor Octavio Guzman said on Sunday.

"What happened yesterday, April 25, constitutes the most brutal and ruthless attack against the civilian population in decades in the department of Cauca," the governor said on US social media company X.

He confirmed that 15 women and five men died, and 36 others were injured, three of whom are still in intensive care and five of whom are minors who are no longer in danger.

The explosion occurred when a device planted in a culvert on the Pan-American highway in Cajibio was detonated as a traditional rural bus, known as a "chiva," passed by.

The force of the explosion also damaged several nearby vehicles, and reports indicated that an explosive device may have been thrown onto a bus before detonating, further intensifying the impact.

Guzman has declared three days of mourning, and a symbolic ceremony will be held for the victims in the coming days.

He noted that a 200-cubic-meter crater left by the blast is being repaired. "The consortium is working continuously to restore the affected road," he added, estimating that traffic would resume within hours.

He said that the authorities are working on security measures, accompaniment, humanitarian aid, psychosocial support, and comprehensive assistance for the victims.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro attributed the blast to Ivan Mordisco, the leader of the EMC faction of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People's Army (FARC) rebel group.