State Dept: 8 Americans killed in Mexican tour bus crash

Eight Americans were killed and another seven were injured in a bus crash in Mexico this week, the State Department confirmed Wednesday.

The state government of Quintana Roo, where the crash happened on Tuesday, said at least 12 people total died in the crash.

“We can confirm the death of eight U.S. citizens as a result of the December 19 bus crash in Quintana Roo, Mexico. An additional seven U.S. citizens were injured in the accident,” a State Department official said.

“We express our heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this tragedy. We are in contact with local authorities, and have staff on the scene and at local hospitals to assist victims and loved ones,” the official added.

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The bus was carrying cruise ship passengers to a Mayan ruin on the Yucatan Peninsula in southeastern Mexico when the bus flipped over on the highway.

The bus was carrying 31 passengers, including U.S., Brazilian and Swedish citizens, according to the Quintana Roo state government. At least 18 among them were injured and taken to the hospital.

“Our deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones or were injured in the horrible bus accident in Quintana Roo yesterday. Our Embassy and consulate staff are working at the site to provide support to U.S. citizens in this difficult time,” U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Roberta Jacobson tweeted.

Updated: 7:05 p.m.