Guatemala Bus Tragedy: 15 Dead After Plunge into Deep Ravine

By Lions Roar News World Desk

TOTONICAPÁN, GUATEMALA (December 28, 2025) – A national tragedy has struck western Guatemala after a passenger bus veered off the road and plunged approximately 100 meters (330 feet) into a deep ravine late Friday night. Authorities have confirmed that at least 15 people were killed and 19 others were injured in the horrific accident along the Inter-American Highway.

President Bernardo Arévalo has declared three days of national mourning following the crash, expressing his “deep regret” for the loss of life in the rugged mountainous region.

🌫️ The “Alaska Summit” Disaster

The accident occurred at kilometer 174 of the Inter-American Highway, in a notorious stretch known as Cumbre de Alaska (Alaska Summit). This area is feared by drivers for its steep gradients and dense fog, which often reduces visibility to near zero.

Key Details of the Incident:

• The Route: The bus, operated by the Sinaloa company, was traveling from Guatemala City to San Marcos, a department on the Mexican border.
• The Victims: Firefighter spokesperson Leandro Amado confirmed the deceased include 11 men, three women, and one minor.
• The Rescue: Emergency crews spent over two hours in the dark, navigating the vertical slope to retrieve bodies and rescue survivors using ropes and pulleys.

“I deeply regret the tragedy that occurred on the Inter-American Highway,” President Arévalo posted on social media. “We have been coordinating all necessary assistance for those affected and stand with the families who have lost loved ones.”

📈 A Crisis on the Roads

This latest disaster brings Guatemala’s road safety crisis into sharp focus. Public transportation accidents are common in the country due to a combination of narrow, winding roads and loosely enforced safety regulations.

2025 Road Safety Stats (Jan–Oct):

• Total Public Transport Accidents: 446
• Fatalities: 111 (not including this latest incident)
• Injuries: 623

This incident is the second major bus tragedy this year, following a devastating crash in February where a bus fell into a polluted ravine outside the capital, killing over 50 people. While the government has attempted to push for mandatory insurance and stricter vehicle inspections, they have faced significant pushback from transport operators.