Bogotá: University Student Dies After Being Struck by Bus at TransMilenio Station

Bogotá Student Dies After Collision with TransMilenio Bus

A 21-year-old university student, Jhoana Katerine Agreda Jamioy, died on the night of March 10th after being struck by an articulated TransMilenio bus near the Las Aguas station in central Bogotá. Preliminary reports suggest Agreda Jamioy was attempting to enter the bus rapid transit system irregularly at the time of the incident. The tragedy has prompted an investigation by transit authorities and the Attorney General’s Office, and has left the academic community, particularly at the Universidad Externado de Colombia, in mourning.

A Life Cut Short: Jhoana Katerine Agreda Jamioy

Jhoana Katerine Agreda Jamioy was a sixth-semester Anthropology student at the Universidad Externado. She was also a member of the Indigenous Kamëntsá community, originating from the Valle de Sibundoy in the Putumayo department. Her access to higher education was facilitated by the Atenea program, a Bogotá initiative designed to close access gaps to education through financial and academic support for outstanding young people. The program aims to support students with strong academic records from secondary school as they pursue undergraduate degrees.

What the Authorities and TransMilenio Have Said

TransMilenio S.A. Released a statement indicating the incident occurred as Agreda Jamioy allegedly attempted to board a bus improperly. “The event occurred at the height of the Las Aguas station, presumably between a System bus and a person trying to enter irregularly,” the company stated. Following the accident, TransMilenio activated its health attention protocols and pledged to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. Details were not provided regarding the specific protocols activated or the extent of the initial medical response.

Confirmed vs. Unclear: The Circumstances of the Collision

While authorities have confirmed the collision occurred near the Las Aguas station, key details surrounding the event remain under investigation. This proves currently unclear exactly how Agreda Jamioy attempted to enter the TransMilenio system, and whether she was attempting to cross the roadway or board a bus. The Attorney General’s Office is conducting a rigorous investigation to determine the precise sequence of events and establish responsibility. The victim’s father, speaking to La FM, emphasized the require for a thorough investigation, stating, “We find many versions of which I really don’t know what happened… Until it is clarified exactly what happened, we cannot blame or say who is to blame.”

The Las Aguas Station: A Hub of Activity

The Las Aguas station is a critical transportation hub in Bogotá, connecting to the Universidades station and serving a large student population. Hundreds of students from universities including Los Andes, Rosario, La Gran Colombia, Externado, SENA, Universidad Distrital, CUN, and Tadeo Lozano utilize the station daily. The high volume of pedestrian traffic in the area likely contributes to the complexity of the investigation and the need for a comprehensive review of safety measures.

Universidad Externado’s Response and Support

The Universidad Externado de Colombia issued an official statement expressing its deep sorrow over the loss of Agreda Jamioy. The university has activated its Bienestar Universitario area to provide psychosocial support and legal advice to the student’s family as they navigate the necessary funeral arrangements. The university’s response underscores the close-knit nature of the academic community and the profound impact of this tragedy. La FM reports that the university is providing comprehensive support to the family during this challenging time.

TransMilenio Safety and Ongoing Investigations

This incident raises broader questions about safety within the TransMilenio system, particularly regarding pedestrian access and the prevention of irregular entry attempts. TransMilenio has indicated it will fully cooperate with the investigation, but has not yet announced any immediate changes to security protocols. The outcome of the Attorney General’s Office investigation will likely inform any future safety enhancements or policy adjustments. El Tiempo reports that authorities are collecting evidence at the scene to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision.