In a devastating incident on Monday morning, a bus crash in Guatemala City resulted in the deaths of at least 53 individuals, with many others injured after the vehicle fell off a bridge into a ravine around 4:30 a.m. local time. Eyewitness accounts and reports from emergency services indicate that the bus collided with several vehicles before losing control.
Rescue teams encountered difficulty accessing the scene; the bus was submerged in a river of sewage at the bottom of the ravine, with personal belongings scattered along the banks. Authorities warned that the death toll may rise as recovery efforts continue and as officials from the public prosecutor’s office have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Initial reports suggest that a mechanical failure may have led the bus driver to lose control, resulting in the catastrophic incident. Security camera footage revealed the bus was speeding before the collision with two other vehicles, adding to concerns regarding road safety.
In response to the tragedy, President Bernardo Arévalo declared a national day of mourning and has mobilized the army to assist with search and rescue operations. “I stand in solidarity with the families of the victims who today woke up to heartbreaking news,” President Arévalo stated during a televised address, expressing empathy for those affected by the disaster.
