2kbet Guatemala Bus Accident: Death Toll Rises To 55 After Bus Plunges Into Gorge

Death Toll Rises To 55 After Bus Plunges Into Gorge | Photo: AP Death Toll Rises To 55 After Bus Plunges Into Gorge | Photo: AP

At least 55 people are dead after their bus plunged into a gorge and landed under a bridge Monday 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.

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The bus fell 115 feet (35 meters) into a sewage-polluted stream. It landed upside down and half-submerged.

Ji-Hyun Yan scored the only South Korean goal that came in the 30th minute of the clash. 

The bus had come from Progreso,ph777 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.2kbet