Bogotá Mobility Disrupted by Protests, Explosion at National University
Bogotá experienced notable disruptions to its public transportation system Thursday, stemming from student protests and an explosion reported at the National University. TransMilenio services faced delays and route changes due to demonstrations affecting key stations, including National University and University City, while an incident within the Sociology building of the National University left one individual injured.
The unrest began with mobilizations that impacted TransMilenio operations along Race 30 and Avenida Calle 26. While transmilenio confirmed service normalization efforts were underway following the lifting of a blockage, trunk services continued to experience effects as of 8:20 PM. Concurrently, authorities responded to an explosion inside the National University’s Sociology building, attributed to the accidental detonation of explosives being prepared by protestors. According to Ronald Vargas, a former student representative, “There was a trip inside the University…the kitchen with a lot of explosives exploded and apparently there is a partner who is injured.”
The disruptions extended to SITP routes, which were forced to deviate from their normal paths. Earlier in the day, chaos was reported at the TransMilenio Flores Station, as documented by social media user @ultimahoracr. The situation underscores ongoing tensions and the potential for further disruptions to daily life in Bogotá as protests continue.