Cochabamba, Bolivia: Bacilia Rojas Antezana, 21, dies after falling almost 100m into Pajcha River
The 21-year-old’s terrified family watched on as she fell into the raging river below.
A 21-year-old has plunged almost 100 metres to her death at a waterfall as her horrified family watched on.
Bacilia Rojas Antezana was visiting Sehuencas waterfall in Cochabamba, Bolivia with her family on Tuesday when the trip took a tragic turn.
When she climbed onto a rocky section of the walk to take a photograph, the 21-year-old slipped and fell into the raging Pajcha River below.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The Sun reported that the terrifying fall was 328ft (99.9 metres).
Ms Rojas Antezana was swept away by the powerful river, which travels through the city of Totora.
Her family notified authorities around 6pm and an urgent search for the 21-year-old began.
After a multi-agency search involving firefighters, police officers, municipal officers, and community members, the 21-year-old’s lifeless body was located, local outlet El Dia reported.
The grim discovery came hours after Totora mayor Wilder Castellón asked for the assistance of the Departmental Risk Management Unit, SAR-Bolivia and Civil Defence in searching for Ms Rojas.
The city’s police chief described the tragic scene to reporters.
“We spotted a body submerged in the water, wedged on the rocks,” a translated quote published by The Sun read.
“Recovering the body proved quite difficult, but with the help of the community members, we were able to retrieve it.”
The rocky terrain and fast pace of the river were obstacles but her body was retrieved and taken to hospital.
Earlier this year, Sehuencas waterfall was closed by the country’s planning and environment ministry.
At the time, a spokesperson said the area would remain closed “until the appropriate conditions are in place to provide tourist services, guarantee the safety of visitors and comprehensively improve existing attractions”.
