Bus Crash in Guatemala City Claims at Least 30 Lives

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, Feb 10 (Reuters) – A bus crash in Guatemala City on Monday left at least 30 people dead and many others injured after the vehicle plunged off a highway bridge into a ravine, according to fire department officials.

The bus was traveling along a busy route when it veered off Puente Belice, falling approximately 20 meters into a polluted ravine. Mynor Ruano, a spokesman for the city’s fire service, confirmed that rescue efforts were underway to save individuals who remained trapped in the wreckage.

Images released by the fire department depicted the bus partially submerged in wastewater, surrounded by the bodies of victims. The sight prompted an immediate mobilization of emergency responders as concerns grew about the potential for more casualties.

In response to the tragedy, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo declared three days of national mourning. He also deployed the country’s army and disaster agency to assist in recovery operations. “I stand in solidarity with the families of the victims who today woke up to heartbreaking news. Their pain is my pain,” Arevalo stated on social media.

Guatemala City Mayor Ricardo Quinonez also addressed the situation, announcing that emergency services had been dispatched to the scene. Traffic police were deployed to establish alternate routes in the area affected by the incident.

The bus’s fall from Puente Belice occurred during peak travel hours, raising questions about safety measures and infrastructure maintenance on this significant thoroughfare. Eyewitness accounts and footage shared on social media highlighted the desperate efforts of rescue workers as they navigated the treacherous conditions surrounding the crash site.

As rescue operations continue, officials expect the death toll may rise as they assess the wreckage and search for survivors. The community mourns a growing loss, as the tragic event has shaken many within the capital and beyond.