At Least 55 Dead in Guatemala Bus Crash into Ravine

The bus fell into a river contaminated with sewage near Guatemala City, hampering rescue efforts as emergency workers struggled to recover the bodies from the hazardous conditions.

"At the scene, we have confirmed 53 deaths," said Moises Ortiz, a spokesman for the public prosecutor's office. "Two others later died in the hospital," he added, referring to casualties that succumbed to their injuries after being admitted to San Juan de Dios Hospital. Several others remain hospitalized in critical condition.

The bodies recovered from the scene were taken to a makeshift morgue at a nearby community hall, where distraught family members gathered, hoping for any news. Rosa Lopez, who arrived at the site, described the harrowing wait. "We heard about the crash on the news and rushed here, fearing for my nieces and nephews who were on the bus," the 48-year-old said, choking back tears.

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo expressed his deep sorrow over the tragedy and declared a three-day national period of mourning. "This is an incredibly difficult day for the people of Guatemala," he said in a statement.

Challenging Rescue Efforts
The fire department reported that the bus driver may have lost control of the vehicle, which collided with several smaller cars before plummeting into the ravine, located roughly 20 meters (65 feet) below. "The bus broke through the metal railing and fell into the river, which was heavily polluted with sewage and debris," said Carlos Hernandez from the fire department.

Footage from AFPTV showed firefighters working tirelessly, retrieving bodies from the murky water. "The rescue work is incredibly difficult," said firefighter Luis Quintanilla. "We've spent more than three hours underwater, trying to retrieve a body trapped inside the bus’s wreckage."

The bus had been traveling from San Agustin Acasaguastlan in the El Progreso department, around 90 kilometers (56 miles) northeast of the capital. The site of the crash has left local residents in mourning. "It’s a huge tragedy, and it’s very painful for all of us here," said 40-year-old Marbelin Ortiz, who lives near the crash site.

Investigation Underway
Initial investigations revealed that the bus was 30 years old but still legally authorized to operate. Communications Minister Miguel Angel Díaz indicated that authorities are exploring several factors, including the possibility of the bus being overloaded, though the exact cause of the crash remains unclear.

The public prosecutor’s office has launched a formal investigation into the incident.

A History of Tragedy
Fatal bus crashes are sadly all too common in Central and South America. In January 2018, 52 people perished in Peru when a bus fell off a cliff. In March 2015, a similar tragedy struck Brazil, where 54 people lost their lives when a tourist bus crashed in the southern state of Santa Catarina.

The Guatemalan government has promised full support for the victims’ families as the nation grapples with the aftermath of this devastating accident.