By Belize Live News Staff: A catastrophic bus accident near Guatemala City’s Zone 6 has claimed the lives of 51 people, including several children, after the vehicle plunged off a bridge following a multi-vehicle collision.

According to firefighting spokesman Edwin Villagran, the early morning crash involved multiple vehicles before the bus fell from the bridge, killing dozens on impact. At least 15 survivors are in critical condition, with emergency responders racing to provide urgent medical care.

The bus originated from Progreso, northeast of the capital, and was carrying passengers on a routine trip to Guatemala City when the accident occurred. Volunteer firefighter Óscar Sánchez confirmed that children were among the victims, making the tragedy even more heartbreaking.

President Bernardo Arévalo has responded by declaring a national day of mourning, extending condolences to the families affected. The Guatemalan government has initiated an investigation into the cause of the accident, looking into driver behavior, vehicle maintenance, and road safety conditions.

Witnesses described a scene of devastation, with emergency teams pulling bodies from the wreckage as stunned survivors recounted the horrifying moments before the bus plunged. The incident has raised serious concerns about transportation safety in Guatemala, with officials calling for urgent reforms to prevent future tragedies.

Authorities continue to monitor the injured, while families and communities across Guatemala grieve the lives lost in this terrible accident.