Rescuers search for missing in deadly Guatemala trash slide

GUATEMALA CITY -- Hundreds of rescue workers are picking through a Guatemalan garbage dump looking for bodies or possible survivors a day after a massive slope of trash collapsed, killing at least four people.

The National Civil Police reports that 18 people may still be missing, while Guatemala's national disaster response agency puts the figure at five.

Dozens of people seeking loved ones who were unaccounted for were also at the scene Thursday.

Marta Julia Davila said she was looking for her grandfather who works as a "guajero," or garbage picker.

She said "we have not seen him since yesterday ... since the slide."

Recent rains may have contributed to the slide.

Authorities say about 1,000 people worked in that area of the dump and had been asked to evacuate, but some resisted.

Authorities say about 1,000 people worked in that area of the dump and had been asked to evacuate after an earlier slide, but some resisted. About 3,000 tons of garbage from the capital and surrounding areas are handled daily at the dump.

f

We and our partners use cookies to understand how you use our site, improve your experience and serve you personalized content and advertising. Read about how we use cookies in our cookie policy and how you can control them by clicking Manage Settings. By continuing to use this site, you accept these cookies.