Guatemala Bus Crash: 55 Lives Lost in Devastating Plunge

Guatemal : In a devastating accident, at least 55 people have lost their lives after a passenger bus plunged into a deep gorge and landed under a bridge on the outskirts of Guatemala’s capital. The accident, which occurred before dawn, has left the nation in mourning, with President Bernardo Arévalo expressing his condolences to the victims’ families and declaring three days of national mourning.

The bus was traveling from Progreso, a municipality northeast of Guatemala City, when it was involved in a multi-vehicle collision. The impact forced the bus off the road, sending it plummeting 115 feet (35 meters) into a sewage-polluted stream beneath a bridge. Witnesses reported that the accident happened in poor visibility conditions, possibly due to early morning fog and road hazards.

Rescue operations began immediately after the crash, with firefighters and emergency services rushing to the site. Authorities confirmed that 53 bodies were recovered at the scene, while two more passengers succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. Several other passengers sustained severe injuries and were rushed to medical facilities for urgent care. Rescue teams faced difficulties reaching victims due to the steep and dangerous terrain of the crash site.

President Arévalo extended his sympathies to the affected families and called for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident. He emphasized the need for improved road safety measures and stricter regulations for public transportation to prevent such tragedies in the future.

“We mourn the loss of innocent lives in this tragic accident. My deepest condolences to the families. We will take all necessary steps to enhance transportation safety and prevent such devastating incidents,” said President Arévalo in a public statement.

Local authorities and transportation officials have launched an investigation into the accident, with preliminary reports suggesting possible brake failure or reckless driving as contributing factors. Officials are also examining whether poor road conditions played a role.