At least 32 indigenous Guatemalans were killed and nine admitted to hospitals in critical condition on Wednesday (Mar 27) night after they were struck on a highway by a semi-trailer truck, rescue workers said.
The accident occurred at the entry point to the western town of Nahuala, which has a population of around 65,000, the majority of whom are K’iche’ Maya.
“Personnel from the Departmental Municipal Firefighters have counted at least 30 dead people at this point,” spokesman Cecilio Chacaj told reporters.
The group had congregated at the site of a hit-and-run accident that had killed a resident of their neighborhood when they in turn were hit by the truck, Chacaj added.
The driver fled the scene in his truck and his whereabouts are unknown.
“At this time we are coordinating our response to bring full support to the relatives of the victims,” President Jimmy Morales wrote in a post on Twitter.
“My heartfelt condolences.”
