Escuintla
Authorities expand details of the investigation in the case of a burned bus in Escuintla
Investigations indicate that the vehicle was burned by alleged extortionists.
Bus that was burned by alleged extortionists in Escuintla. (Free Press Photo: Volunteer Firefighters)
The Public Ministry (MP) reported this Friday, March 8, that it located remains of an alleged homemade bomb that two alleged gang members detonated in an extra-urban bus in Escuintla.
He added that he found remains of the artisanal explosive device inside the extra-urban bus that burned at kilometer 54 of the route to Palín-Escuintla.
Investigations show that the fire was caused by a group of alleged extortionists operating in Escuintla.
An investigator from the National Civil Police stated that the criminals contacted the owner of the bus to demand money and when he refused, they threatened to kill him.
He added that the victim did not report the events and days later the alleged extortionists placed a homemade bomb in the public transport.
The MP added that according to the investigation, some subjects boarded the bus and planted the explosive, then got off and fled.
The explosion injured four people, who were taken to a hospital.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the device used in the explosion might be a homemade Molotov-type bomb,” reported Moisés Ortiz, MP spokesperson.
Ortiz stated that they located surveillance cameras and testimonial statements.
“Indications that are presumed to be parts of the explosive object were reduced, which were packaged in order to carry out the corresponding tests,” he stressed.
This is the second case in less than a week, the first was recorded on March 3 in the San Jorge neighborhood, Escuintla, where a subject entered a public transportation unit and set it on fire. Given these facts, the MP indicated that he analyzes the cameras to identify the subjects.
On Thursday, March 7, Francisco Jiménez, Minister of the Interior, commented that an ex officio investigation was initiated to find the whereregardings of the members of the criminal structure.
At km. 54 old route from Palin to Escuintla urban bus caught fire; Volunteer Firefighters of the 14th Company. They put out the fire using 2800 gallons of water.-#CVBalService pic.twitter.com/6820PFm8x5
— Volunteer Firefighters (@BVoluntariosGT) March 6, 2024
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