Almost three dozen people have reportedly died after a truck crashed into a crowd in western Guatemala late Wednesday, authorities stated.
RELATED:
25 Central American Migrants Killed in Freight Truck Accident
"It seems that the semi-trailer did not notice the number of the people on the roadway and ran them over," said Cecilio Chacaj, a spokesman for the local fire department, said. "So far there are at least 30 bodies at the site."
The vehicle hit a group of people causing the death of 32 people, according to Reuters.
“At this time we are coordinating our response to bring full support to the relatives of the victims,” President Jimmy Morales posted on Twitter. “My heartfelt condolences."
Nine other people received injuries and were admitted to hospitals in a critical condition, Public Health Minister Carlos Soto said on local radio.
The accident took place in Nahuala, west of Guatemala City.
The crash marks one of the worst in the country’s history since a bus plunged off a cliff in rural Guatemala, in 2013, killing at least 43 people and injuring dozens.
The government announced in an official statement a 3-day national mourning in memory of those killed in the tragedy.
With much regret I regret the tragedy that occurred in the municipality of Nahuala, Solola, which left more than 30 people dead due to a traffic accident. In these moments we are coordinating actions to provide all the support to the relatives of the victims. My dearest condolences.