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Bolivia crash kills two Cranbrook teens on Salar de Uyuni salt flat

Two teenagers have died after an horrific crash in Bolivia.

Reports suggest Freddie Michael McLennan and Joe Atkins, both from Cranbrook, were killed in a crash on Sunday.

Both Freddie and Joe went to Cranbrook School, along with a third man who was injured in the crash.

Freddie McLennan (12207573)
Freddie McLennan (12207573)

Bolivian media outlets have shared details of the accident, which happened in the country's famous Salar de Uyuni salt flat.

Freddie and Joe, both 19, were killed along with a 21-year-old Bolivian driver.

Bolivian media firm Uyuni Cruz Andina is reporting the crash happened after a blowout caused the driver to lose control of the wheel.

After that, the injured, together with the driver of the vehicle, would have been evacuated to the José Eduardo Pérez Hospital in the city of Uyuni.

George Atkins died in a crash in Bolivia at the weekend (12207972)
George Atkins died in a crash in Bolivia at the weekend (12207972)

Mr McLennan's parents say their son was an "exceptional young man", due to study economics and politics at Leeds University.

In a heartbreaking statement seen by The Times, Andrew McLennan and Miranda Porritt said: "As a son, brother, grandson, cousin and friend to all those who knew him, he was as caring as he was fun to be with.

"He excelled at school and his exam results were a source of great pride.

"We are struggling to come to terms with his passing. He brought a joy and love to us, which we will always remember, but miss greatly

“The friends he made through Cranbrook and the different sports clubs he played with over the years know they have also lost a special individual.

“We are eternally grateful that Freddie came into our lives.

"We are struggling to come to terms with his passing.

"He brought a joy and love to us, which we will always remember, but miss greatly.”

Mr McLennan was described as a top rugby fly-half by his school magazine and was a successful cross-country runner who competed nationally.

Another Brit remains in hospital.

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokeswoman said: "We are supporting the families of three British people who were involved in a car accident in Bolivia and are in close contact with the Bolivian authorities.”

The case is under investigation.

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