At least 15 dead, 19 injured in Guatemala as bus plunges into ravine

According to local authorities, a passenger bus plunged into a ravine on the Inter-American Highway killing at least 15 people and injuring 19 others.

According to Leandro Amado, a spokesperson for local firefighters, there were 11 men, three women, and a minor among the deaths.

On Saturday, Amado reported to reporters that 19 injured people had been transported to nearby hospitals.

Between the kilometres 172 and 174 of the Solola Department’s (western Guatemala) “Alaska Peak” is a name for the rugged terrain it occupies in the region of Totonicapan.

Driving along the route in question is frequently impeded by the dense fog there.

“Unknown Reason”

Amado added that the bus, which was traveling between Guatemala City and the border with Mexico’s department of San Marcos, fell into a ravine that was nearly 75 meters (250 feet) deep for unknown reasons.

The wrecked bus was seen in the ravine as firefighters arrived on the scene to help the injured and recover the victims’ bodies, according to images released by the fire department on social media early on Saturday.

According to local media reports, relatives of the passengers were dispatched to the scene of the accident as well as to nearby hospitals looking for their loved ones.