GUATEMALA CITY — A tragic accident occurred on the outskirts of Guatemala City when a bus fell into a gorge, resulting in the death of at least 55 individuals on Monday.
Investigators from the public ministry reported that 53 bodies were recovered at the crash site, while two additional passengers succumbed to their injuries after being transported to San Juan de Dios Hospital.
According to Edwin Villagran, a spokesperson for the fire department, the bus was involved in a multi-vehicle collision prior to the incident, which led it off the roadway and into a steep gorge in the early hours of the morning.
Many others sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash.
The bus fell approximately 115 feet (35 meters) into a stream tainted with sewage, landing upside down and partially submerged in the water.
The vehicle was traveling from Progreso, a region located northeast of the capital. Volunteer firefighter representative Óscar Sánchez indicated that among the deceased were children.
In light of this devastating event, President Bernardo Arévalo expressed his sympathies and announced a national day of mourning to honor the victims.