How Did 3 Women Die in the Sarapiquí Bus Crash in Costa Rica?

Quick answer: Three women died after a bus carrying 54 older adults overturned on National Route 4 at La Chiripa de Río Frío, Horquetas de Sarapiquí, Costa Rica, on the morning of Wednesday 28 October 2026. The Costa Rican Red Cross attended 54 people at the scene, classifying seven as critical and 32 as urgent.

Key facts

• What: Bus rollover (road accident)
• Where: National Route 4, La Chiripa de Río Frío, Horquetas de Sarapiquí, Heredia, Costa Rica
• When: Around 7:55 a.m. on Wednesday 28 October 2026
• Reported toll: 3 women killed; 54 people attended at the scene, 7 critical and 32 urgent
• Emergency number: 911
• Status: Investigations under way; figures may change as hospitals update

What happened

The bus overturned onto its side about 400 metres from the Palmitour restaurant while carrying 54 older adults from Jiménez, Suerre and other communities in Pococí, Limón, on a trip to the hot springs in La Fortuna de San Carlos.

The Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) identified two of the women who died on the day of the crash: Isabel Brenes Mora, 62, who was trapped inside the bus and died at the scene, and a 70-year-old Nicaraguan woman surnamed Ruiz, who died while being taken by ambulance to hospital. A third woman, a 69-year-old surnamed Castro, died of complications at Hospital de Guápiles; the OIJ confirmed her death on Wednesday afternoon.

The injured

The Costa Rican Red Cross said it attended to 54 people at the scene, classifying seven as critical and 32 as urgent, while 13 did not need hospital transfer. Patients were taken to hospitals in Guápiles, San Carlos and Heredia, and to clinics in Río Frío and Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí.

Permit and investigation

The Public Transport Council (CTP) said the bus belongs to Transportes Transpal of Guápiles and that the company holds a valid operating permit for student transportation only. The bus was not authorised to provide excursion service.

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) said the vehicle's technical inspection with Dekra was current, its policy with the National Insurance Institute (INS) was active, and the bus was within its permitted service life.

Public Works and Transport Minister Efraím Zeledón Leiva ordered an investigation into the conditions under which the bus was operating. The CTP has opened its own administrative inquiry into the company and said its findings will go to the council's board of directors as soon as possible. The condition of the driver had not been publicly reported, and the OIJ continues to investigate the circumstances of the crash.

Road safety in Costa Rica

Costa Rica records an estimated 868 road deaths a year, a WHO-estimated rate of 16.7 deaths per 100,000 people, above the global average of about 15. The rate has fallen by about 15.7% over two decades.

Reporting for this article is drawn from The Tico Times (29 October 2026) and Wikipedia Current Events (28 October 2026, citing AM Costa Rica).

Frequently asked questions

How many people died in the Sarapiquí bus crash?

Three women died, according to The Tico Times on 29 October 2026: Isabel Brenes Mora, 62, a 70-year-old Nicaraguan woman surnamed Ruiz, and a 69-year-old woman surnamed Castro who died of complications in hospital.

Where did the crash happen?

On National Route 4 at La Chiripa de Río Frío, Horquetas de Sarapiquí, in Heredia province, Costa Rica, about 400 metres from the Palmitour restaurant.

Who was on the bus?

54 older adults from Jiménez, Suerre and other communities in Pococí, Limón, travelling to the hot springs in La Fortuna de San Carlos.

What caused the crash?

The cause has not been officially confirmed. The OIJ is investigating the circumstances, and the transport minister has ordered an investigation into the conditions under which the bus was operating.

Was the bus authorised to carry the excursion group?

No. The Public Transport Council said the bus belonged to Transportes Transpal of Guápiles, which holds a permit for student transportation only, and the bus was not authorised to provide excursion service.

What is the emergency number in Costa Rica?

Dial 911.