Guatemala Bus Accident Leaves Over 50 Dead

A tragic bus accident in Guatemala claimed over 50 lives, leaving a nation in mourning.

Key Takeaways

Over 50 people died after a bus plunged off a bridge near Guatemala City.
The incident occurred following a multi-vehicle crash that sent the bus off the Belice Bridge.
The bus fell 115 feet into a sewage-polluted stream, landing upside down and half-submerged.
President Bernardo Arévalo declared national mourning and mobilized resources for rescue efforts.
The cause of the accident is under investigation, including whether the bus was overloaded.

Devastating Bus Accident Shakes Guatemala

In a heart-wrenching incident that has left Guatemala reeling, a bus carrying over 70 passengers plunged off a bridge near the capital city, resulting in the deaths of over 50 people. The tragedy unfolded early Monday morning when the bus, traveling from Progreso to Guatemala City, veered off the Belice Bridge and plummeted approximately 115 feet into a ravine below.

The bus, which was 30 years old but still licensed to operate, crashed through a metal safety railing before landing upside down in a sewage-polluted stream. The impact was catastrophic. While reports have provided varied death tolls, Guatemala’s National Forensic Science Institute said Tuesday that 54 people had died. Among the deceased were children, adding to the profound sorrow gripping the nation.

Families bid farewell to victims of Guatemala bus crash https://t.co/WIbt1yGFTP

— The Independent (@Independent) February 12, 2025

Rescue Efforts and Government Response

In the wake of this devastating event, President Bernardo Arévalo swiftly mobilized national resources to aid in rescue and recovery efforts. The National Army and CONRED (National Coordination for Disaster Reduction) were deployed to the crash site to assist with the grim task of retrieving bodies and helping survivors.

“I stand in solidarity with the families of the victims who today woke up to heartbreaking news. Their pain is my pain,” President Arévalo stated, expressing his condolences to the bereaved families.

The president also declared a period of national mourning, reflecting the profound impact of this tragedy on the Guatemalan people. Special medical care has been activated for the wounded, as the nation grapples with the aftermath of one of its worst traffic accidents in recent memory.

Investigation Underway

As the country mourns, authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. Initial reports suggest that a multi-vehicle crash may have precipitated the bus’s fatal plunge. Officials are examining various factors, including the possibility that the bus was overloaded and the condition of the three-decade-old vehicle.

The investigation could scrutinize road safety measures, vehicle maintenance standards, and traffic regulations in an effort to prevent future tragedies of this magnitude. The incident has reignited concerns about the safety of public transportation in Central America, where such accidents, tragically, are not uncommon.