Accident on the Inter-American Highway amid dense fog; 19 passengers injured, rescue operations completed
Punjab Newsline, Guaemala (Cantral America)-
A devastating road accident in the Central American country of Guatemala has caused widespread shock and grief. At least 15 people were killed and 19 others injured after a passenger bus plunged into a deep ravine on the Inter-American Highway. The accident occurred while the bus was traveling from Guatemala City to San Marcos, near the Mexican border.
According to Fire Brigade spokesperson Leandro Amado, the deceased include 11 men, three women, and one minor. Emergency services rushed to the scene immediately after receiving information about the crash and launched rescue and relief operations. The injured passengers were transported to nearby hospitals, where several remain in critical condition.
Preliminary reports indicate that the bus fell into a ravine approximately 75 meters deep. The accident site is located in a mountainous and winding area, where visibility is often poor. Initial investigations suggest that dense fog may have been a major factor contributing to the crash. However, authorities are also examining other possible causes, including mechanical failure and driver error.
Following the accident, local authorities temporarily suspended traffic on the Inter-American Highway to ensure smooth rescue operations. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud crash as the bus plunged into the ravine, triggering panic among people in the surrounding area. Road accidents are not uncommon in Guatemala, where challenging terrain, adverse weather conditions, narrow roads, and speeding are frequently cited as contributing factors. In the wake of this tragedy, the Guatemalan government has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.
Rescue operations have now been completed, but the tragic accident has once again raised serious concerns about road safety and the condition of public transportation in the country.