Bus crash in Guatemala kills 42 people

GUATEMALA CITY, Oct 9 (Reuters) A passenger bus crashed off a winding mountain road in Guatemala, killing 42 people, rescue officials said today.

The bus fell down a 300-foot (100-metre) ravine after leaving the western city of Huehuetenango late yesterday, said Mario Cruz, spokesman for volunteer fire teams at the scene.

Rescue workers were lifting bodies out with cables and five survivors were taken to hospital for treatment.

Officials blamed the accident on fog and rain that blanketed the already dangerous road.

REUTERS DH RAI0018