Guatemala City: Guatemala City observed one of the deadly tragedies of the road in recent years when a passenger bus carrying more than 70 people collided with a guard train and drowned in a stream, in which At least 51 people were killed.
Municipal Fire Department rescue workers recovered 51 bodies from a bus debris, which fell into 20 meters (65 feet) dirty drainage and debris. Victor Gomez, a spokesman for the volunteer firefighters, confirmed, “We have 51 bodies in the temporary dead.”
Ten injured passengers were successfully pulled from the rubble and reached local hospitals for treatment.
President Bernardo Irowalo expressed deep grief over the tragic incident, announcing the period of national mourning. He condoled the bereaved families and said, “Today is a difficult day for the Guatemala nation.”
Authorities reported that the driver lost control of the bus, which collided with several small vehicles before the metal guard hit the train and entered the river. Carlos Harnands of the fire department described the scene: “The bus continued, the railing broke out, and fell into a river until it reached the river related to sewerage.”
The bus was traveling from San Agustin Acasgostlin, about 90 km northeast of Guatemala city, about 90 km northeast.
Minister for Communications Miguel Angel Diaz revealed that preliminary investigations show that the bus is about 30 years old but is still licensed for the operation. Authorities are investigating whether more burden or mechanical failure from passengers has played their part in the accident.
The incident highlights the ongoing concerns about road safety in Latin America. In January 2018, 52 people were killed in Peru when a bus collided with a mountain on the coast near Lima. Similarly, in March 2015, Brazil witnessed a deadly tourist bus accident claiming that 54 people were killed in the Santa Catarina state.
Guatemala officials have pledged to accelerate security measures after the latest tragedy, as rescue teams continue to search for additional victims and provide assistance to survivors.
