A horrific bus accident on the outskirts of Guatemala’s capital on Monday claimed the lives of at least 55 people after the vehicle plunged into a gorge and landed under a bridge. The tragic incident has shaken the nation, prompting President Bernardo Arévalo to declare a national day of mourning.

Fatal Crash: What Happened?

According to investigators from the public ministry, 53 bodies were recovered from the crash site, while two passengers succumbed to their injuries at San Juan de Dios Hospital.

Firefighting spokesperson Edwin Villagran revealed that a multi-vehicle collision forced the bus off the road, causing it to fall 115 feet (35 meters) into a sewage-filled stream below the bridge. The bus landed upside down, leaving many passengers trapped in the wreckage.

Bus Journey Ends in Disaster

The ill-fated bus was traveling from Progreso, northeast of the capital, when the deadly crash occurred before dawn. Authorities reported that children were among the victims, adding to the heartbreaking loss of life.

Volunteer firefighting spokesperson Óscar Sánchez described the scene as catastrophic, with rescue teams struggling to retrieve bodies and survivors from the debris. Several passengers suffered severe injuries, with emergency responders rushing them to nearby hospitals.

National Mourning Declared

Following the tragic incident, President Bernardo Arévalo extended his condolences to the families of the victims and declared a day of national mourning. The Guatemalan government has promised a thorough investigation into the accident and has called for stricter road safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Road accidents in Guatemala are frequent due to poorly maintained roads, reckless driving, and overloaded vehicles. This latest tragedy has reignited discussions on the need for better traffic regulations and stricter enforcement.

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