Members of the Public Prosecutor`s Office work near the bodies of victims of a road accident at Cumbre de Alaska in Totonicapan, Guatemala, on December 27, 2025. (Photo by Gustavo RODAS / AFP via Getty Images)GUSTAVO RODAS via Getty Images

At least 15 people were killed and 19 injured after a passenger bus plunged into a ravine on the Inter-American Highway in western Guatemala, authorities said on Saturday.

"Fifteen people have died in this traffic accident - 11 men, three women and a minor," Leandro Amado, a spokesperson for local firefighters, told reporters, adding that around 19 injured people were taken to hospitals near the scene.

The crash occurred in the Solola Department between kilometres 172 and 174, an area known for dense fog that reduces visibility for drivers.

Images shared by the fire department on social media early on Saturday showed the wrecked bus in the ravine as firefighters worked to rescue victims.

Socorristas rescataron del fondo de barranco a 15 personas fallecidas, entre ellas un menor de edad, según reporte oficial. Al finalizar la operación de rescate, se unieron en oración, pidiendo por los heridos y las personas fallecidas del trágico accidente ocurrió en el… pic.twitter.com/vYsDPzKne7

— Noti7 (@Noti7Guatemala) December 27, 2025