In a tragic turn of events, an explosion rocked a city in Colombia that was recently visited by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their four-day tour of the country. The incident occurred in the Valle del Cauca region, specifically in the El Tunel section of the route connecting Popayán and Cali, roughly 450 kilometers southwest of the capital, Bogotá.

A 60-year-old man tragically lost his life in the explosion, while four others were severely injured. The blast took place amid ongoing protests by Indigenous communities demanding a meeting with President Gustavo Petro. These protests have escalated in the region, with the affected route serving as a backdrop for the unrest.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had arrived in Cali on August 18, after spending the first two days of their visit in Bogotá. Their decision to visit Colombia raised concerns, given the country’s reputation for violence. Both the United Kingdom and the United States had issued travel advisories warning about the high rates of violent crime, including homicide and armed robbery, in the area.

Prince Harry, who has been outspoken about his concerns for his family’s safety since stepping back from royal duties, has been particularly sensitive to security issues. After relocating his family to California in 2020, he launched a legal challenge against the UK Home Office over the downgrading of his security details.

Royal expert Hilary Fordwich commented on the situation, noting the high risks associated with traveling in Colombia. “Colombia is ranked as one of the most dangerous countries in the world,” Fordwich said, emphasizing the potential dangers the couple faced during their visit.

The explosion highlights the ongoing tensions in Colombia and serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in traveling to regions with high levels of unrest.