At least 55 people are dead after their bus plunged into a gorge and landed under a bridge on the outskirts of Guatemala’s capital.
Investigators from the public ministry said that there were 53 bodies recovered at the scene and the San Juan de Dios Hospital confirmed that two passengers brought there had also died.
Firefighting spokesperson Edwin Villagran said a multi-vehicle crash sent the bus off the road and into the steep gorge below the bridge before dawn. Others were seriously injured.
The bus fell 35 meters into a sewage-polluted stream. It landed upside down and half-submerged.
The bus had come from Progreso, northeast of the capital. Volunteer firefighting spokesman Óscar Sánchez said children were among the victims.
President Bernardo Arévalo offered his condolences and declared a day of national mourning.
"I stand in solidarity with the families of the victims who today woke up to heartbreaking news. Their pain is my pain," Arevalo said on social media.
