In the early hours of Monday morning, a bus in Guatemala City tragically veered off a bridge, crashing into a ravine and leading to a catastrophic death toll of at least 53, as reported by government officials. Eyewitness accounts and on-site footage reveal the bus wreckage submerged in a river filled with sewage, with personal belongings scattered along the riverbank, painting a grim picture of the scene.
The incident unfolded at approximately 4:30 a.m. local time, prompting an immediate investigation by the public prosecutor’s office. Initial assessments suggest the driver may have lost control due to a mechanical failure, causing the bus to collide with two other vehicles before careening off the bridge. Carlos Hernández, spokesperson for the Guatemala City fire department, noted that while these preliminary findings are concerning, the investigation is still in its early stages.
In response to the tragedy, President Bernardo Arévalo announced a day of national mourning, expressing his condolences to the victims' families in a heartfelt televised address. “I stand in solidarity with the families of the victims who today woke up to heartbreaking news,” President Arévalo stated. The army has been mobilized to aid in rescue and recovery operations as the nation grapples with this profound loss.
As the investigation progresses, questions surrounding vehicle safety and regulation are expected to come to the forefront, as the nation mourns its loss and seeks accountability for this heart-wrenching disaster.
