A deadly bus accident killed eleven cruise ship passengers and injured twenty more early morning today, 19 December, on a highway in the state of Quintana Roo. According to reports by the local media, the tragic accident happened after the tour bus lost control and flipped over on a highway in Mexico close to the Caribbean resort city of Cancun.
The bus was carrying 31 passengers who arrived in Costa Maya onboard Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise ships for a visit to the ancient Mayan ruin at Chaccobén. The passengers were traveling on a bus owned by the company Tourism Costa Maya.
Royal Caribbean spokesperson has confirmed that passengers from the Celebrity Equinox and Serenade of the Seas were on the bus that flipped and that the shore excursion was booked onboard. “Unfortunately, this heartbreaking news is true. Our hearts go out to all those involved. Currently, we're working with local authorities, and caring for our guests when it comes to assisting with medical care and transportation.” Says Royal Caribbean spokesperson.
Authorities have not released the nationalities of the fatalities but news reports said they included Canadian, Italian, and United States citizens. Seven tourist from the United States and two Swedes are reportedly among the injured. The injured were transferred to different hospitals some of them in serious condition.
We send our thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of those who died in today’s bus crash.
Update
A civil defense official says that the number of dead had risen to 12, most of the dead were United States citizens. Among the injured were eight Americans, three Brazilian and two Swedes. The Mexican guide has also died in the bus crash and the bus driver is detained.
Secretary of State of Quintana Roo, Marisol Vanegas said that six of the injured passengers are in Tulum, and seven were in hospital Chetumal.
Sun Sentinel reports that among the victims is Fanya Shamis, 78, of Coconut Creek, Florida and her 11-year-old grandson.
Costa Maya Mahahual released the following statement:
- “The 18 passengers who were injured were transferred to the following hospitals:
- Chetumal - Hospital Carranza
- Mahahual - Hospital Costa Med
- Tulum - Hospital Costa Med
- Bacalar - CentroComunitario de Bacalar
- 5 Passengers have been discharged from the Hospital
- The Nationalities of the passengers are: American, Italian, Swedish and Brazilian
- In every hospital there is a representative of Costa Maya, as well as representatives of the State Government and the Insurance Companies making sure all the actors involved are being helped, supported and informed.”
