A catastrophic bus accident on Guatemala’s perilous Inter-American Highway has resulted in significant casualties, with authorities confirming 15 fatalities and 19 individuals injured. The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Saturday when the passenger vehicle veered off the mountainous roadway and plummeted approximately 75 meters (246 feet) into a deep ravine.
The incident occurred at the 174-kilometer marker, a section notoriously dangerous due to its steep terrain, frequent heavy fog, and persistently poor visibility conditions that challenge even experienced drivers. Local fire department officials reported that the victims comprised eleven adult men, three women, and one minor, highlighting the diverse demographic impact of the crash.
Emergency response teams mobilized swiftly following the accident, conducting complex rescue operations in the difficult geographic location. The nineteen injured survivors were transported to multiple medical facilities in the region for urgent treatment, though the severity of their conditions remains undisclosed.
This devastating event brings renewed attention to transportation safety concerns along Guatemala’s crucial highway network, particularly through its most hazardous mountainous regions where weather and topography combine to create dangerous driving conditions.