A tragic bus crash in Guatemala has left at least 15 people dead and a further 15 injured, after the vehicle plunged into a deep ravine in a mountainous region.
Details of the Fatal Crash
The devastating incident occurred on 26 December 2025 along the Inter-American Highway. The bus, which was travelling from Guatemala City to Totonicapan, lost control near the 174km marker in an area known as Cumbre de Alaska.
Authorities confirmed the bus fell approximately 330 feet (100 metres) into the ravine. The remote and difficult terrain complicated rescue efforts significantly.
Rescue Operation and National Response
Emergency crews, including paramedics and firefighters, worked for more than two hours to rescue the injured and retrieve the bodies of those who died. The wreckage caused a temporary suspension of traffic on the busy route while it was cleared.
In response to the tragedy, President Bernardo Arevalo declared three days of national mourning. The president expressed his profound condolences in an online message, stating: "I deeply regret the tragedy that occurred on the Inter-American Highway. From the government of Guatemala, we have been coordinating all necessary assistance for those affected, while standing with those who have lost family members and loved ones."
Ongoing Transport Safety Crisis
This fatal accident highlights a persistent and grave public safety issue in Guatemala. Traffic accidents involving public transportation remain a major concern across the country.
According to the National Transit Safety Observatory, the period from January to October 2025 alone saw 446 accidents involving public transport vehicles. These incidents resulted in 111 deaths and 623 injuries, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing authorities.
