In a devastating incident early Monday morning, a bus in Guatemala City collided with multiple vehicles on a prominent bridge before plunging into a ravine. The crash resulted in the tragic loss of at least 53 lives, with government authorities warning that the death toll may increase. Witnesses reported the bus was submerged in sewage as it came to a halt in a hard-to-reach area. Content belongings were scattered along the banks, and the Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation to determine the cause, including possible mechanical failure. Eyewitness accounts reveal the bus was traveling at a high speed prior to the collision. The heart-wrenching news of the crash sparked panic among families in the area, with many rushing to the scene. Among them was Jeison Galindo, 23, who anxiously sought his father-in-law amidst the chaos. Guatemalan President Bernardo Arvalo has declared a national mourning period and committed the army's support for rescue operations. As emergency workers faced challenging conditions to recover victims, the community gathered in sorrow at the crash site, sharing in the grief for their lost loved ones. The unfortunate incident unfolded around 4:30 a.m. on the Belice Bridge, where the bus lost control and crashed through safety barriers, plummeting approximately 115 feet. This tragic event has drawn attention from both national and international media, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures on public transportation in Guatemala.
