At least 51 individuals have tragically lost their lives after a bus veered off a bridge on the outskirts of Guatemala City. The incident, which occurred during the early hours, was reportedly triggered by a multi-vehicle collision, according to firefighting spokesman Edwin Villagran. Many others sustained severe injuries in the catastrophe.
The bus plummeted roughly 35 metres into a stream contaminated with sewage, coming to rest upside down and partially submerged. The vehicle was travelling from Progreso, located to the northeast of the capital. Among the deceased are several children, as noted by volunteer firefighting spokesperson Óscar Sánchez.
In response to this devastating event, President Bernardo Arévalo extended his condolences to the families affected and has announced a day of national mourning. The community is grappling with the enormity of this tragedy as rescue teams continue to work at the scene.