Bus Accident in Guatemala: 51 People Dead in Tragic Incident

A bus carrying passengers fell into a ravine on the outskirts of Guatemala’s capital early Monday morning, resulting in the tragic deaths of 51 people. Among the deceased were children. The incident occurred after a multi-vehicle collision caused the bus to fall from a bridge into a 115-foot-deep contaminated water ditch. Additionally, 15 people were seriously injured.

Following the incident, President Bernardo Arévalo declared a national day of mourning to express condolences. He called the accident “extremely tragic” and assured that the government was making every effort to provide better medical care for the injured.

The bus was traveling from the city of San Agustin Acasaguastlan in the El Progreso department to Guatemala City, located approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles) away. According to the fire department, the driver lost control of the bus, which collided with several smaller vehicles before crashing through a metal railing and falling into a ravine about 65 feet deep.

The country’s Information Minister, Miguel Ángel Díaz, stated that initial investigations revealed that the bus was 30 years old but still had a valid operating license.