Guatemala Mourns 54 Lives Lost in Tragic Bus Crash

Guatemala is in mourning after a tragic bus accident claimed the lives of at least 54 people beneath the Belice Bridge in the capital, Prensa Libre reports. Emergency crews continue rescue operations at the site, where an extra-urban bus plunged into a river in the La Paz roadway sector.

The bus, traveling from San Agustín Acasaguastlán, El Progreso, lost control for unknown reasons before careening into the ravine. Rescue teams have transported survivors to the General Hospital San Juan de Dios and the Guatemalan Institute of Social Security for treatment. The impact left the bus completely destroyed, with several victims’ bodies recovered from the polluted river below.

According to a report from the Volunteer Firefighters, the death toll has risen to 54, including 51 victims recovered at a temporary morgue, two individuals who died at the hospital, and the bus driver. The General Directorate of Transport (DGT) confirmed that the vehicle, identified as a 1995 International model with license plate C-898BHR, had an active operating permit valid until May 24, 2025, and was insured by Seguros Universales, Sociedad Anónima.

The bus followed a regular route from the village of Estancia de la Virgen in San Cristóbal Acasaguastlán, departing at 3:00 a.m. and returning from Guatemala City at 4:30 p.m. The DGT expressed condolences to the victims’ families and joined the national mourning declared by President Bernardo Arévalo. Authorities have called for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and any possible legal liabilities.

Rescue operations and investigations are ongoing, with further updates expected in the coming hours regarding the final death toll and any factors that may have contributed to the tragedy.