At least 12 people died when a bus carrying cruise ship passengers to Mayan ruins in eastern Mexico flipped over on a highway early on Tuesday, officials said. (Dec. 19) AP
At least 12 people are dead and others injured after a tour bus carrying several American tourists flipped over on a highway in Mexico, according to media reports.
Passengers from two Miami-based Royal Caribbean cruise ships, the Celebrity Equinox and Serenade of the Seas, were on board the bus when it overturned on a two-lane highway.
Twenty-seven passengers from both cruise ships were on the bus during the crash, Royal Caribbean said in a statement, adding it was working with local authorities to get more information about the accident.
"Our hearts go out to all those involved. We are doing all we can to care for our guests, including assisting with medical care and transportation," the company said.
In addition to the dead, at least nine others were injured, including seven Americans and two citizens of Sweden, according to the Associated Press.
The tour bus was heading to the Mayan ruins at Chacchoben, about 110 miles south of Tulum.
Costa Maya Mahahual, the bus company involved, told the AP in a statement that the bus was carrying tourists who had arrived to the coastal town of Mahahual on a cruise.
In addition to the tourists, a guide and driver were aboard the bus, the company said.
Footage and photos from the crash show bodies on the pavement and side of the road as others, including some wearing bathing suits, help the wounded.
The images show the bus on its side along the shoulder of the road and yellow crime- scene tape surrounding the area as first responders investigate.
It's unclear what caused the wreck.
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