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(CNN Spanish) - At least 21 people died this Saturday after the collision between a bus and a cargo truck in the municipality of Gualán in the department of Zapata, 168 kilometers northeast of Guatemala City, the Public Ministry said in a
release.
Among the fatalities there are at least 7 minors. The incident also left at least 11 people injured.
"The pilots were apprehended by the National Civil Police and were referred to the Los Jocotes pretrial detention center, located in the department of Zacapa," said the prosecution.
It is unknown what exactly caused the accident.
The Public Ministry investigates the fact and is in the work of identification of the deceased.
For his part, Guatemela President Jimmy Morales posted a message on his Twitter account and said he was "very shocked" by the accident, in addition to expressing his condolences to the families of the victims.
I am very dismayed by the accident in Gualán, Zacapa. I want to express my condolences to the families of the victims, at the same time informing them that I have instructed since very early that the injured receive all the necessary attention.
- Jimmy Morales (@jimmymoralesgt) December 21, 2019
The president urged the authorities to "increase controls on the roads and proceed with strict compliance with the law."
Traffic accidents