At least 44 killed as bus plunges 660ft into ravine in Guatemala

At least 44 people have been killed after an overcrowded bus plunged 660ft into a river canyon in Guatemala.

Dozens of others were injured after the driver, Yony Cumar Cana, who died in the accident, lost control of the vehicle in San Martin Jilotepeque.

According to the Sky News, mayor Otto Vielman, said: "From what we see, the bus crashed against a wall of rocks first and then fell over the cliff."

A fire department spokesman, Mario Cruz, said there were around 90 people on the 54-capacity bus, which was heading to the capital, Guatemala City.

The area is known for its windy, steep mountain roads, which do not have guardrails.

Children and three babies were among those that died, and some people were rescued using hydraulic equipment, said Cruz.

As well as the fatalities, around 40 people were injured in the accident.

Local resident Carlos Jose Perez told the BBC that many of those on the bus had been taking farm produce to market.

"The people here are really in mourning," he said.

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