Fatal Morning Crash: 16 Dead, Dozens Injured in Matagalpa Traffic Tragedy

On Saturday, a tragic traffic accident in the central Nicaraguan department of Matagalpa claimed the lives of at least 16 individuals, with 26 others sustaining injuries, as reported by Vice President Rosario Murillo. Among the victims were several children, as disclosed on local television Channel 4 by the Xinhua News Agency.

The incident occurred in the morning when a bus, carrying approximately 70 passengers, collided with the fence of the Mancera river bridge in the Rancho Grande municipality.

Expressing deep sorrow over the calamity, Pedro Haslam, the political secretary of Matagalpa, stated, “We are dismayed by this tragedy in the city of Matagalpa.”

Emergency response teams, including Matagalpa government authorities, the Ministry of Health, the National Police, and units of the Fire Department, swiftly responded to the scene to provide assistance to the victims, added Haslam.