At least 15 people were killed and 19 others injured after a passenger bus plunged into a ravine on the Inter-American Highway in western Guatemala, according to local authorities.
The bus was traveling between Guatemala City and the department of San Marcos when it crashed for reasons that remain unclear.
Emergency responders said the incident occurred early Saturday in a mountainous stretch of road known for difficult driving conditions.
Rescue teams worked for hours at the scene as relatives of passengers searched nearby hospitals for information.
Authorities said the bus fell nearly 75 meters into a ravine, complicating rescue and recovery efforts.
Officials have not released details about the driver or the condition of the vehicle.
Local firefighters confirmed that the dead included 11 men, three women, and one minor.
“Fifteen people have died in this traffic accident — 11 men, three women and a minor,” Leandro Amado, a spokesperson for local firefighters, told reporters.
Amado said approximately 19 injured passengers were transported to hospitals near the crash site.
Images shared by the fire department showed the mangled bus resting at the bottom of the ravine as crews assisted survivors.
Authorities said emergency teams prioritized the wounded while also recovering bodies from the wreckage.
Local media reported that families gathered at hospitals and along the highway seeking updates on missing relatives.
The crash occurred in the Solola Department between kilometers 172 and 174 on the Inter-American Highway.
The area is sometimes referred to as “Alaska Peak” due to its rugged terrain and high elevation.
Dense fog is common along this route and frequently reduces visibility for drivers.
Officials said the cause of the crash has not yet been determined.
Investigators are expected to examine road conditions and the bus’s mechanical state.
The incident follows another deadly bus crash earlier in 2025, when more than 50 people were killed after a vehicle plunged into a ravine outside Guatemala City.
Authorities have not indicated whether the two incidents are connected.