Guatemala City: Bus Full Of Passengers Plunges Into Gorge, 55 Dead, Several Injured

In a tragic incident near Guatemala City, reportedly 55 passengers lost their lives in a road accident on Monday. According to the reports, the accident happened when a bus slipped off the road and plunged into a gorge, coming to rest beneath a bridge. The public ministry's investigators confirmed that 53 bodies were found at the site, while two more succumbed to injuries at San Juan de Dios Hospital.

The bus, originating from Progreso, northeast of the capital, was involved in a multi-vehicle collision before it careened into the steep gorge. Firefighting spokesperson Edwin Villagran reported that the crash happened before dawn and resulted in numerous serious injuries. The vehicle fell approximately 115 feet (35 meters) into a stream contaminated with sewage, landing upside down and partially submerged.

Rescue Efforts and Victim Details

Volunteer firefighting spokesman Óscar Sánchez revealed that children were among those who perished in this devastating accident. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to recover bodies and assist the injured. The scene was chaotic as emergency responders rushed to provide aid amidst challenging conditions.

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo expressed his condolences to the victims' families and declared a day of national mourning in response to the tragedy. The accident has left the nation in shock as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to this catastrophic event.

The bus's journey from Progreso ended tragically after it became part of a multi-vehicle crash that sent it tumbling into the gorge. The impact was severe, with the bus landing upside down in polluted waters, complicating rescue efforts further.