Bus fell into ditch in Guatemala, 15 people died and 19 injured (Photo-X)
Digital Desk, Guatemala City. At least 15 people were killed and 19 others were injured after a passenger bus plunged into a deep gorge on the Inter-American Highway in western Guatemala. According to local authorities, the accident occurred between kilometers 172 and 174 in the Sololá department, where the area is known as "Alaska Peak" or "Cumbre de Alaska" due to its rugged terrain.
Fire department spokesman Leandro Amado said the dead included 11 men, three women and a minor. The injured have been admitted to hospitals near the incident site. The bus was traveling from Guatemala City to San Marcos province, bordering Mexico, when for unknown reasons it plunged into a ravine about 75 meters (250 feet) deep.
Dense fog in this area often reduces the visibility of drivers, which is considered a possible cause of the accident. Pictures shared on social media by the fire department showed a damaged bus in a ditch, where rescue workers were trying to rescue the injured and bring out the bodies.
This accident is believed to have happened on Friday night or early Saturday morning. Road accidents are common in Guatemala, especially in mountainous and foggy areas. Investigation is ongoing.