Semana Santa Death Toll: 33
The Policía de Tránsito (traffic police) and the Cruz Roja (Red Cross) had hoped to lower the number of violent deaths during Semana Santa, at least lower than the 30 deaths registered in 2005. However, the final tally was in last night and the number of deaths for the 2006 Semana Santa stands at 33.

The Cruz Roja Costarricense said that from Palm Sunday (April 9) to Easter Sunday (April 16), 27 deaths had been registered. However, this year, Semana Santa was a little longer, beginning on Friday April 7 and ending on Monday April 17, which brought the total to 33.

The nations roads were the number one scene of deaths, with four persons dying by being run over, ten persons died from an accident and four more when the vehicle flipped over, for a total 18. Water related accidents were next on the list, with 9 deaths, while violent using a blade or firearm left 5 people dead. One person is reported to have died from a fall.

Authorities report that the majority of the deaths during Semana Santa were under the age of 30, of which five were children, dying from drowings in various locations around the country.

Red Cross officials say that during the holidays, 51 people were taken to various hospitals in severe condition from all traffic accidents and violence with blades and firearms.

The province of Puntarenas registered the most water related accidents. That province takes in beaches like Puntarenas, Jacó, Quepos and Manuel Antonio.

The Red Cross also said that quick response from rescue personnel saved the lives of 57 people, 20 of would have been drowning victims, 36 in traffic accidents and one person from being a burn victim.

The special operations by the Tránsito and Cruz Roja officially ended last night. The Red Cross said the total bill for its operations will come to some ¢80 million colones (us$158.000) that kept some 600 vehicles and 8 boats running and staff to maintain 101 emergency posts and 118 mobile emergency centres, that included some 1.000 Cruzrojistas (Red Cross workers).

Tránsito officials report that a total of 78 vehicles were taken off the road during their Semana Santa operative, mostly from drivers who were over the alcohol limit and driving without a license.

Tránsito officials say that issued 64 partes (tickets) to drivers who were to drunk to be driving and 22 for being over the limit, but not impaired and total of 53 licenses confiscated. Complete figures on the operation will be available today (Tuesday).

The ride home last night was quieter than on Sunday when the roads were saturated with returning vacationers. Many decided to return on Sunday, in hopes of beating the return home traffic, however found that many others had done exactly the same causing a total collapse of the roads into the capital.