A tragic bus accident in Guatemala City claimed the lives of at least 51 individuals on Monday, as a vehicle carrying over 70 passengers plunged off a highway bridge into a contaminated ravine, officials report.

The deceased include 36 men and 15 women, whose bodies have been taken to a provincial morgue, according to Carlos Hernandez, a spokesperson from the city’s fire department.

Emergency responders successfully rescued 10 injured passengers from the bus, with several transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Details of the Accident

The bus fell approximately 20 meters (65 feet) from the Puente de Belice bridge at the northern entrance of Guatemala’s capital. This highway spans a road and a creek tainted with sewage.

Fire department officials revealed that the driver lost control, causing the bus to collide with several smaller vehicles before careening off the edge.

“The bus continued forward, crashing through a metal barrier, and plunged into a ravine about 20 meters deep, ultimately landing in the sewage-contaminated river,” Hernandez explained.

Photos released by the fire department on social media depicted the bus partially submerged in wastewater, surrounded by the victims’ bodies.

Initial investigations indicated that the bus, while 30 years old, remained licensed for operation, according to Communications Minister Miguel Angel Diaz. He added that authorities were examining the possibility of overcapacity and noted that the cause of the tragic early morning incident is still under investigation.

National Mourning Declared by President

In response to this devastating incident, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo has called for three days of national mourning. He has also mobilized the army and disaster response teams to support ongoing rescue operations.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the families affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. Their sorrow resonates with us all,” Arevalo stated on social media.

Local reports suggest that the bus was traveling from San Agustin Acasaguastlan, located approximately 90 kilometers northeast of the capital, towards Guatemala City.

Edited by: Wesley Rahn