Fires and destruction in Ivirgarzama: FELCC investigates clashes between transport operators
The FELCC opened an investigation following violent clashes between two transport organisations in Ivirgarzama, Cochabamba. A building was set on fire and more than ten vehicles were destroyed.
FELCC investigates burning of vehicles and union headquarters following clash between transport operators in Ivirgarzama
According to reduno.com.bo, the Special Force for the Fight Against Crime (FELCC) initiated an investigation to identify those responsible and instigators of the fires and destruction that occurred during the night of Friday 30 and the early hours of Saturday 31 October in Ivirgarzama, a municipality of Puerto Villarroel, in the Cochabamba tropics.
The conflict involves members of Trans Carrasco Tropical and the 12 de Agosto cooperative, two organisations that maintain a dispute over control of public transport routes and stops in that locality.
The clashes began around 22:00 on Friday, when groups linked to both organisations confronted each other in the streets of Ivirgarzama. During the disturbances, there was hurling of rocks, firecrackers and other objects, whilst the detonations and smoke generated fear among residents.
The headquarters of Trans Carrasco Tropical was hit by fire. Images broadcast from the scene showed minibuses, motorcycles and a dump truck burned out, as well as broken windows and other damage to the infrastructure. Preliminary reports mention more than ten vehicles affected, although the authorities have not yet provided a definitive quantification of the damages.
The general commander of the Bolivian Police, General Adrián Álvarez, confirmed on Saturday that FELCC personnel are already deployed in the locality. "An investigation has been opened by the FELCC, which is precisely in this locality to be able to determine who have been the principal instigators who have participated in these events, who have committed these acts of vandalism," Álvarez stated.
The authority clarified that the investigations will seek to establish both those who participated in the clashes and those who had direct responsibility for the destruction of property. So far no arrests have been reported.
Despite the magnitude of the incidents, Álvarez indicated that the Police had not received official reports of injured persons. "We have no reports of personal harm or injuries to persons who participated," he said.
The background to the conflict lies in disagreements between Trans Carrasco Tropical and the 12 de Agosto cooperative over the conditions of operation of public transport routes and stops in Ivirgarzama. The total assessment of material damages remains pending by the competent authorities.
Source: Google News BO — Crime