Tragedy Strikes Guatemala City as Bus Plunges Off Bridge, Claiming 53 Lives

In a catastrophic incident early Monday morning, at least 53 people lost their lives when a bus veered off a bridge in Guatemala City, plunging into a deep ravine. According to government officials, several more individuals sustained injuries, and the rescue efforts are ongoing with expectations that the death toll might rise.

Emergency workers responded to the scene, where footage showed the bus partially submerged in sewage-laden waters, with luggage and personal effects strewn along the banks. The tragic event occurred around 4:30 a.m. local time. The public prosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation into the crash, and Carlos Hernández, a spokesman for the city’s fire department, suggested a possible mechanical failure may have led the driver to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in a collision with two other cars. Security camera footage from local outlets reportedly captures the bus speeding prior to the crash.

In response to this tragedy, President Bernardo Arévalo declared a national day of mourning and mobilized troops to assist with the rescue operations. “I stand in solidarity with the families of the victims who today woke up to heartbreaking news,” stated Mr. Arévalo in a televised address, expressing his condolences to those affected.