POPAYÁN, Colombia — What was intended to be a high-octane celebration of automotive power turned into a scene of devastation as a monster truck lost control and plowed into a crowd of spectators in Popayán. The catastrophic incident has left at least two people dead and 37 others injured, sparking an immediate investigation into safety protocols at the event.

The incident occurred during a featured performance when the massive vehicle, designed for stunts and obstacle crushing, veered off its intended path. Witnesses describe the vehicle suddenly accelerating toward the spectator barriers after completing a jump, leaving the crowd with little time to react.

Emergency responders confirmed that two individuals died at the scene due to the force of the impact. Consequently, local hospitals were placed on high alert as 37 injured attendees were rushed from the arena, with several reported to be in critical condition.

The local government in Popayán has suspended all remaining activities associated with the event as forensic teams and safety inspectors begin their work. Authorities have secured the vehicle and cordoned off the arena to determine if the crash was caused by mechanical failure or driver error.

Meanwhile, the Mayor’s office has announced a coordination center to assist families of the deceased and provide updates on the condition of the injured. As part of an ongoing accountability probe, prosecutors are expected to review the event’s permits and the adequacy of the safety barriers that were in place to protect the public during the high-risk performance.

Popayán, known for its vibrant cultural gatherings, is reeling from the scale of the tragedy. Social media has been flooded with footage of the incident, leading to a heated public debate regarding the regulation of extreme motor sports in residential and public spaces.

The exhibition was part of a larger festival that had drawn thousands of families from across the region before the tragedy occurred. Law enforcement is expected to release a formal preliminary report once the mechanical inspection of the monster truck is completed.

Medical teams continue to work around the clock to stabilize the injured, while the city prepares for a period of mourning in the wake of the disaster.