logo
Irish tourist dies in 4x4 horror incident in Bolivia

Irish tourist dies in 4x4 horror incident in Bolivia

Authorities in Bolivia are investigating after an Irish tourist was killed when a 4x4 overturned on the country's famous salt flats.
The man, named locally as Oisin Hoy, 29, was among a group of seven in a Toyota Landcruiser when the accident occurred on Friday afternoon shortly before 5pm.
Officials said they were on their way to a local volcano when vehicle flipped over and travelled for a further 40 metres before coming to a halt on its side.
Mr Hoy was gravely injured and was being brought to the nearby city of Potosi when he died en route.
Five others, including two Bolivians, two Germans and a Dutchman were also injured.
Three required hospital treatment in Potosi due to the severity of their injuries.
Images broadcast by local media showed the open-backed Landcruiser with a badly-crushed roof.
The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
Local police chief Colonel Wilson Flores said authorities believe the incident occurred due to excessive speed.
He said one of the other tourists had requested to drive the vehicle in order to record a video for social media when it occurred.
Flores said: 'Unfortunately due to excessive speed, it lost control and the vehicle turned over, causing one death and five injuries.
'The deceased passed away en route to Potosi due to the abdominal injury he suffered.'
Local tourism boss Raul Torres said the accident occurred amid increasing concerns about safety levels among tour operators in Bolivia.
He said many firms were not attending road safety training and an instruction session scheduled for last Friday had been cancelled because of the failure of company drivers to show up.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

'Danger alert' for Irish tourists off to holiday hotspots as temps soar to 46C
'Danger alert' for Irish tourists off to holiday hotspots as temps soar to 46C

Irish Daily Mirror

timean hour ago

  • Irish Daily Mirror

'Danger alert' for Irish tourists off to holiday hotspots as temps soar to 46C

Irish tourists taking trips to Europe in the foreseeable future should brace themselves for absolutely roasting temperatures. Temperatures tipped over 40°C in Spain and Portugal at the weekend, and look likely to edge even higher on Monday. Road surfaces are beginning to melt in Italy, while Greece has been plagued by wildfires sweeping across the holiday islands in recent days, reports The Mirror. The heat dome hanging over Europe is no laughing matter, with one tourist already having lost their life to heatstroke in Majorca. The roasting-hot front has blown up from Africa and looks poised to push thermometers even higher. It's unlikely the heat will relent anytime soon thanks to the heat dome currently hanging over Europe. The meteorological phenomenon occurs when a high-pressure ridge traps a thick layer of warm air in one region, acting like a lid on a pot. While a little sun, sea and sand might sound tempting, such high temperatures can be very dangerous. The region around Seville in southern Spain was forecast to reach 42°C through the weekend, while the French Mediterranean coast pushed 40°C on Saturday, with similar temperatures in southern Italy and Sardinia. Highs in London could hit 35°C on Monday, potentially making it the hottest June day on record in the UK. In Spain, Monday is expected to be the hottest day of a heat wave that began on Saturday and set a record for June, with 46 degrees forecast for El Granado in the south of the country. The arrival of a warm, dry mass of Saharan origin is exacerbating the rise in temperatures to "abnormally high and persistent levels, both day and night, which could pose a risk to people," the State Meteorological Agency warned. UK health authorities issued an amber heat alert for Tuesday covering London, the East Midlands, South East, South West and East of England. The UK Health Security Agency has warned that scorching temperatures could pose a risk to children, older people, and those with medical vulnerabilities. It warns of "a rise in deaths, particularly among those ages 65 and over or with health conditions. There may also be impacts on younger age groups". The heat also increases the likelihood of intense storms. France and Germany have been hammered by ferocious rain, hailstorms and flooding, leaving three people dead. Among them was a child who was crushed to death by a falling tree. Amber heat warnings have been issued for many parts of Spain, with similar warnings in place for four departments in the south of France. In Spain, weather expert Nacho Espinos has urged people to remain indoors and avoid strenuous exercise. A double alert has been issued in the Canary Islands due to extreme temperatures, with warnings affecting four of the islands. Weather experts say temperatures could reach 37C. On Gran Canaria, warnings have been issued for the rising risk of forest fires and the health dangers of high heat. In part due to the high heat there, Greece has borne the brunt of the wildfires in Europe so far this summer, with serious blazes breaking out in several areas. A fierce blaze ripped through the area south of Athens on Thursday, leading to evacuation orders and forcing officials to shut off sections of the vital coastal route from the Greek capital to Sounion, home of the historic Temple of Poseidon and a key draw for visitors. In France, firefighters were mobilised to tackle early summer fires as 84 of the country's 101 administrative areas were put on a heatwave alert from today until midweek. Extreme heat can be deadly. In 2023, 61,000 people died because of Europe's record-breaking heatwave. William Spencer, climate and first aid product manager at the British Red Cross, said: "Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and getting worse because of climate change. "Sadly, we have seen cases already this year of the tragic impact high temperatures can have on human life. High temperatures make it harder for the body to cool itself and we all need to take care to manage the health risks of heat. If you are travelling to a country experiencing extreme heat, there are several steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe." Temperatures have started rising rapidly, just as a new early warning system has come into force. is the first pan-European, publicly available platform that predicts the actual mortality risks of temperatures for different demographics. Those planning a holiday who are concerned about the heat can use it to check how much of a risk to their health they are taking. If you are heading on holiday in the coming weeks, make sure you know the forecasted weather so you can prepare accordingly. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week

Pharmacist shares six medications you should pack before going on holiday
Pharmacist shares six medications you should pack before going on holiday

Dublin Live

time2 hours ago

  • Dublin Live

Pharmacist shares six medications you should pack before going on holiday

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Packing for a holiday abroad can be a bit of a headache. It's easy to remember the basics like clothes and toiletries, but what about those unexpected situations? Planning for every possible scenario isn't always simple, and sometimes you might find yourself needing something that's not readily at hand. According to one pharmacist, there are certain medicines you should think about packing from home to avoid any unnecessary stress while on holiday. Irish Pharmacist Ashley O Dubhain, also known as Ash the Pharmacist on social media platforms, revealed that he often gets asked "in the summer months" which medicines people should pack. While he reassures holidaymakers not to "freak out", as chemists will be available at their destination, he does suggest six items to consider based on his "own experience" and knowledge of what's available overseas. If you're heading to a destination with a hotter and more humid climate than you're used to, Ashley suggests packing some electrolytes, regardless of the brand. Electrolytes are vital for maintaining fluid balance and ensuring muscles and nerves function properly. As we lose electrolytes through sweat, it's important to replenish the sodium lost, especially if you're sweating heavily. Furthermore, he recommends bringing along an antihistamine such as Zirtek, Telfast, Clarityn or any other brand that suits your body. Ashley emphasised the virtues of a widely advocated remedy: "This will be good for insect bites but also if you take a reaction to food or the sun, for example. It can help with that heat rash." Ashley also underscored for those jet-setters not quite up to snuff with exotic nosh, to keep Imodium handy, an indispensable over-the-counter fix to rapidly quell the runs and "stop" any untoward results. For treating insect bites, Ashley's go-to is often prescribing Fucibet, but you can get hydrocortisone cream over-the-counter, such as Cortopin. However, Ashley cautions: "Ask your pharmacist if you're allowed to take it, as not everyone is. If steroid creams aren't suitable for you, you can get some Anthisan cream." You can also consider taking some probiotics, and start taking them for a few weeks before you go away, especially if it's somewhere where you "know the food and the water could make you sick". Probiotics are thought to help restore the natural balance and bacteria in your gut, according to the NHS. Lastly, he recommends bringing some painkillers such as paracetamol, Panadol, Nurofen or ibuprofen. It's important to speak to your doctor or a pharmacist if you're unsure before taking any medication, as what's suitable for others might not be for you.

Boy, 12, dies in 'dangerous internet challenge' amid 'online world' warning
Boy, 12, dies in 'dangerous internet challenge' amid 'online world' warning

Irish Daily Mirror

time2 hours ago

  • Irish Daily Mirror

Boy, 12, dies in 'dangerous internet challenge' amid 'online world' warning

A 12-year-old boy with "incredible talent" has tragically died with his heartbroken family believing he was taking part in a social media challenge. Sebastian was found unresponsive at his home where his younger brother's First Holy Communion was being celebrated. Emergency services rushed to the house at 6.06pm on Friday and despite the best efforts of paramedics he was pronounced dead, reports The Mirror. Following the tragedy in Castleford in West Yorkshire in the UK, the youngster's family said they think he died after trying a viral social media challenge. They have also issued a warning about the dangers of the 'online world'. "Sebastian was only 12 years old. A boy full of dreams, passion, and incredible talent. He taught himself to play the guitar and keyboard, and he loved to draw," read a GoFundMe page set up for the family. "Always smiling, kind, and full of joy - everyone who met him was touched by his gentle spirit." The page goes on to talk about a "dangerous internet challenge", saying: "He had loving parents who did everything they could to give him a safe and happy childhood. They would have given him the stars. Sadly, one brief moment changed everything. A dangerous internet challenge took his life. "What happened is a tragedy beyond words. No parent should ever have to bury their child. No one should ever endure such heartbreak. That's why we're reaching out today, asking for your help. "We're organising this fundraiser to support Sebastian's family - to help cover funeral expenses, psychological support, and daily costs that suddenly became overwhelming. Every donation, no matter the amount, is not just financial support - it's a message of compassion: 'We're with you'." And in a message to other parents it added: "Talk to your children about what they do online. Ask what they watch, who they talk to, what inspires them. Be present. Don't assume: 'My child would never do that.' The online world can be as dangerous as the real one - sometimes even more so." West Yorkshire police said: "Police were called by ambulance colleagues to an address in Manor Grove, Castleford, at 6:06pm yesterday (27/6) following reports of concern for the safety of a child. "Officers attended the location and the boy was taken to hospital where it was later confirmed that he had died. Enquiries are ongoing on behalf of the West Yorkshire Coroner to establish exactly what happened. "The incident is not being treated as suspicious." The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store