Guatemala City, Guatemala – A devastating bus accident in Guatemala City has left at least 51 people dead after the vehicle plunged off a highway bridge into a polluted ravine. The crash occurred early on Monday, February 10, 2025, when the bus, which was packed with 75 passengers, lost control and fell approximately 20 meters from Puente Belice, a major bridge in the city.
Rescue operations were swift, but many survivors remain trapped. Carlos Hernandez, a spokesperson for the city’s fire department, confirmed that 36 men and 15 women had been confirmed dead. The bodies were transferred to a provincial morgue for identification.
Images shared by the fire department show the bus partially submerged in wastewater, surrounded by the victims’ bodies.
In response to the tragedy, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo declared three days of national mourning. The country’s army and disaster response agencies were deployed to aid in the recovery and relief efforts.
“I stand in solidarity with the families of the victims who today woke up to heartbreaking news. Their pain is my pain,” President Arévalo said on social media.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but authorities are focusing on potential mechanical failure and road conditions. Guatemala’s emergency response teams continue to search for survivors and clear the wreckage.
This tragic event has shocked the nation and highlighted the ongoing risks of road travel in the country.
