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| Guatemala Police Probe Bus Crash That Killed 55 |
Guatemalan authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the tragic bus accident that claimed the lives of at least 55 passengers. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday when the vehicle veered off the road, broke through a guardrail, and plunged into a deep ravine.
With approximately 70 passengers onboard, the devastating crash left rescuers struggling to recover bodies from the creek where the bus came to rest. Officials have described this as one of the most catastrophic road accidents in Guatemala in recent years.
In response to the tragedy, President Bernardo Arévalo has declared three days of national mourning to honor the victims. The bus was on its usual route between San Cristóbal Acasaguastlán and Guatemala City, having departed from San Antonio La Paz around 4:00 AM local time. About half an hour later, it plunged 20 meters (65 feet) off a bridge, landing upside down in a shallow wastewater creek on the outskirts of the capital.
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| Guatemala Police Probe Bus Crash That Killed 55 |
Images from the crash site depict the overturned vehicle with its wheels in the air, highlighting the severity of the accident. According to reports, the bus was carrying students, commuters, and individuals heading to medical appointments in the capital.
As the news spread, distressed relatives gathered at the accident scene, anxiously awaiting updates about their loved ones. One woman shared with local media that her 67-year-old husband had left for work early that morning but never arrived. Another grieving family member identified her brother among the deceased.
Rescue teams have so far recovered 53 bodies from the wreckage, with two more individuals succumbing to their injuries in the hospital, bringing the total death toll to 55. Among the victims was the 24-year-old bus driver.
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| Guatemala Police Probe Bus Crash That Killed 55 |
Eyewitnesses recalled seeing the bus collide with two cars before breaking through the guardrail and plunging into the ravine. Investigators are exploring multiple possibilities, including mechanical failure. Authorities will examine whether a brake malfunction caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Guatemala's Minister of Communications, Miguel DÃaz Bobadilla, confirmed that the bus, despite being nearly 30 years old, was still legally licensed to transport passengers. Officials are also investigating whether it was overloaded at the time of the crash.
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| Guatemala Police Probe Bus Crash That Killed 55 |
Additionally, police discovered a firearm inside the wrecked bus, raising suspicions about a possible altercation before the crash. Some reports suggest that the driver may have panicked or been injured due to a confrontation involving the weapon. The firearm was later identified as belonging to one of the deceased passengers, a private security guard.
Deputy Director-General of Guatemala's National Civil Police, Helver Beltetón, stated that all possibilities are being considered, including mechanical failure, accidental causes, or potential criminal involvement. Authorities have vowed to conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact cause of this devastating tragedy.
