Guatemala Bus Plunges Into Ravine, 15 Killed

At least 15 people were killed and another 15 injured after an intermunicipal bus plunged into a ravine in Guatemala, prompting the government to declare three days of national mourning.

The crash occurred late Friday near the town of Totonicapán on the Interamerican Highway, a major route connecting several regions of the country. Rescue teams worked for more than two hours to recover bodies from the ravine and evacuate injured passengers. The wounded were taken to nearby hospitals, where they are receiving treatment.

President Bernardo Arévalo expressed condolences to the victims’ families and said state resources were being mobilised to support those affected by the tragedy. He described the incident as a devastating loss for the nation.

Fatal traffic accidents are common in Guatemala, particularly in mountainous areas where roads are narrow and safety enforcement is limited. Public transport vehicles often operate on hazardous two-lane highways, increasing risks, especially during nighttime travel.

According to official data, hundreds of public transport vehicles were involved in road accidents nationwide this year, resulting in more than a hundred deaths and hundreds of injuries, underscoring ongoing concerns about road safety.