Three Columbia University students died in Honduras Wednesday after a bus they were riding in veered off the road and into a ravine. The crash happened east of the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa.
In a statement,University President Lee Bollinger identified the students asColumbia College student Olivia Erhardt, Barnard College student Daniella Moffson, or Abigail Flanagan,a nurse practitioner at Columbia University Medical middle and a General Studies student.
Several other Columbia students were injured in the crash."This terrible and tragic loss is all the greater because these individuals were dedicating their passion and very special talents to serving those in need," Bollinger said in a statement. University officials say the students were in Honduras volunteering for the Columbia chapter of Global Brigades, and which provides medical and other support to struggling populations around the world.
Officials in Honduras said the crash was believed to be the result of a mechanical failure.
The U.
S. Embassy in Honduras said in a statement it was in close contact with local authorities and working to provide consular assistance to any who need it.
With reporting from the Associated Press.
Source: wnyc.org