A tragic bus accident in Guatemala on Monday has claimed the lives of at least 40 individuals after the vehicle plunged off a bridge near Guatemala City. The Associated Press reported that the bus was involved in a multi-vehicle collision that resulted in additional injuries to 15 people.
Witnesses and video footage from the scene show emergency crews working in difficult conditions, recovering bodies from the wreckage that was submerged in water and debris. The bus, which was traveling from Progreso, had a total of 75 passengers on board at the time of the incident. Among the victims were children, highlighting the tragic nature of the event. The vehicle fell approximately 65 feet into what was described as wastewater.
The crash occurred on the Belize Bridge, a busy thoroughfare, although specific details about the initial cause of the multi-vehicle collision have not yet been disclosed. Officials have not provided information regarding the destination of the bus or the ages and conditions of all the victims.
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo expressed his condolences on social media, describing the incident as a "national pain." He pledged support for the families of the victims and announced that he had mobilized personnel from the National Army and disaster response agencies to assist at the scene. The president also indicated plans for a national mourning period in honor of those who lost their lives.
As rescue operations continued, the focus remained on recovering the victims and providing medical assistance to the injured. The community is grappling with the aftermath of this devastating accident, which has left many families in mourning.