Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Guatemala declares 24 missing in garbage landslide at dump

CP353807774
The relative of a missing garbage-picker cries as she waits for information at the entrance of the city garbage dump in Guatemala City, Thursday, April 28, 2016. Rescue workers are picking through garbage looking for bodies or possible survivors a day after the massive slope of trash collapsed, killing at least four people. Authorities say about 1,000 people worked in that area of the dump. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Guatemala City authorities say that 24 people are listed as missing two days after a massive slope of trash collapsed, killing at least four people.

Hundreds of rescuers are still picking through the garbage dump looking for survivors or bodies.

The city spokesman said Friday the problem is that many people work informally as garbage pickers at the dump, and only some were officially registered as present when the collapse occurred Wednesday.

City spokesman Carlos Sandoval said that “of the missing people, seven are registered” as garbage pickers, who poke through trash looking for recyclable materials to sell.

The others are believed to be people who were working without permission at the dump.

About 1,200 registered garbage pickers work at the massive dump.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles