Bus wreck kills 45 in Guatemala

updated 1:46 a.m. ET March 1, 2008

GUATEMALA CITY - An overcrowded bus plunged off a highway and rolled into a gully on Friday, killing 45 people and injuring 20 more, authorities said.

The bus with an official capacity of 40 passengers was carrying some 65 passengers when it was crushed by the impact of the crash.

Carlos Perez, a spokesman for the national firefighters company, said the death toll is likely to rise, given the serious condition of the injured.

"Many of them had broken bones or severe head injuries. It's likely that many of them will die," Perez said.

The wreck occurred near the city of Cuilapa, about 50 miles east of Guatemala City.

The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The dead included four children, four women and 37 men.

Guatemalan buses are frequently overloaded and must navigate rudimentary roads.

More from msnbc.com View an interactive, HD panorama of N.Y.'s 30 Rock Insider theft a big problem for small charities   Census workers wanted, local roots preferred Ideal beauty a matter of millimeters, study says Answer Desk: Gold may be riskier than it seems Send your holiday pictures to troops

MORE FROM AMERICAS

Americas Section Front

Decision expected soon in Brazil custody fight Mexico City lawmakers OK gay marriage Colombia to Chavez: Santa, not ‘spy plane’ World Blog: Finally, Cuba celebrates with Kool Stepfather says needles were meant to kill boy Brazil ruling on U.S. boy expected Tuesday Tijuana chief takes aim at corrupt cops Castro: Obama seeking to topple Cuban communism Bus drivers fall victim to brutal Guatemalan gangs Americas Section Front   Add Americas headlines to your news reader: