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

"Fifteen people died in this traffic accident — 11 men, three women, and a minor," Leandro Amado, a spokesperson for local firefighters, told reporters.

He added that around 19 injured people were taken to hospitals near the scene of accident.

What to know about the accident

The crash occurred in the department of Solola, between kilometers 172 and 174, an area known for its dense fog which reduces visibility for drivers.

According to Amado, the bus plunged into a ravine about 75 meters deep. The circumstances of the accident are not yet known.

Early Saturday morning, the fire department shared images on social media showing the wrecked bus in the ravine while firefighters worked to rescue people.

Fatal road accidents are common in Guatemala. In February, a passenger bus fell into a ravine at the northern entrance to Guatemala City, killing 54 people.

Edited by: Roshni Majumdar