Explosion at Neiva toll booth: authorities investigate suspected explosive attack on the road connecting the capital of Huila with Bogotá

NewsThe explosion was reported at around 12:40 a.m. on Sunday, November 15. The detonation occurred at around 12:40 a.m. this Sunday. According to initial reports, two men left the explosive device at the site and fled. Photo: Social Media.15.11.2026 02:55 Updated: 15.11.2026 02:55 A powerful explosion occurred at around 12:40 a.m. on Sunday, November 15, at the toll booth located on the road connecting Neiva with Bogotá, in the department of Huila. Initial information points to a possible explosive attack, although authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the detonation. According to preliminary reports, two individuals allegedly arrived at the site, left an object, and fled before the explosion occurred. The detonation caused moments of tension among workers and people near the toll booth. A powerful explosion occurred during the early morning of November 15 in Huila. Photo: Social Media. Although the blast was heard in various parts of Neiva, no injuries or fatalities have been reported so far. The incident reportedly caused material damage to the toll booth infrastructure. Units from the Neiva Metropolitan Police and emergency agencies were dispatched to the area to handle the situation, verify security conditions, and carry out initial inspections. READ ALSO Authorities investigate the explosion at the Neiva toll boothFor now, the circumstances under which the explosive device was installed or abandoned, as well as the identity of those responsible, remain under investigation. Authorities are seeking to establish the characteristics of the device, assess the damage caused, and determine who may be behind this attack. Authorities are conducting investigations to determine who may be behind the attack. Photo: Social Media. The incident also raises concern due to security alerts that reportedly became known this week. According to preliminary information, National Army intelligence had warned about the possibility of an attack of this nature. READ ALSO Huila faces a complex public order situationThe explosion occurs amid a complex security situation for the department. In recent months, various municipalities in Huila have faced violent actions attributed to illegal armed structures, including the Hernando González Acosta and Ismael Ruiz fronts. Police units and emergency agencies were dispatched to the site. Photo: Social Media. Among the reported incidents are attacks with explosive-laden drones, harassment of security forces, and the burning of public transportation and cargo vehicles. Authorities will have to determine whether the explosion at the Neiva toll booth is related to these structures and to the other violent incidents recorded in the region. At this time, it has not been confirmed what type of device was used to cause the explosion, nor has the attack been attributed to any particular armed structure. New details about the damage to the toll booth and the results of the investigations are expected to emerge in the coming hours. Nathalia Díaz GuzmánLAST NEWS DESK READ ALSO Follow all the news from Colombia on Facebook and Twitter, or through our weekly newsletter. EL TIEMPO NEWSLETTERSSign up for our newsletters and receive news in your email based on your interests. Stay informed about what truly matters to you. EL TIEMPO GOOGLE NEWSFollow us on GOOGLE NEWS. Always stay up to date with the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on Google News. EL TIEMPO WHATSAPPJoin the El Tiempo channel on WhatsApp to stay up to date with the most relevant news as it happens. EL TIEMPO APPStay informed with the EL TIEMPO app. Receive the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on your device. SUBSCRIBE TO THE DIGITAL EDITIONReliable information for you. Subscribe to EL TIEMPO and access our journalistic content without limits.