Guatemala is in mourning after a devastating bus accident left at least 54 people dead beneath the Belice Bridge in the capital, according to Prensa Libre. Rescue teams are still working at the scene, where an extra-urban bus plunged into a river along the La Paz roadway.
The bus, which was traveling from San Agustín Acasaguastlán, El Progreso, lost control for unknown reasons and veered into a ravine. Survivors have been taken to General Hospital San Juan de Dios and the Guatemalan Institute of Social Security for medical care. The impact destroyed the bus, and several victims were pulled from the polluted river below.
According to Volunteer Firefighters, the death toll has risen to 54. This includes 51 victims recovered at a temporary morgue, two individuals who died at the hospital, and the bus driver. The General Directorate of Transport (DGT) confirmed that the bus—a 1995 International model with license plate C-898BHR—had an active operating permit valid until May 24, 2025, and was insured by Seguros Universales, Sociedad Anónima.
The bus followed a scheduled route from Estancia de la Virgen village in San Cristóbal Acasaguastlán, departing at 3:00 a.m. and returning from Guatemala City at 4:30 p.m. In response to the tragedy, the DGT extended condolences to the victims’ families and joined the national mourning declared by President Bernardo Arévalo. Officials have called for a full investigation to determine the cause of the accident and any legal responsibilities.
Rescue efforts and investigations are still ongoing. Authorities are expected to release more updates soon regarding the final death toll and any factors that may have contributed to the crash.
