A tragic accident involving a tourist bus with cruise ship passengers and a red SUV happened today on the George Price Highway in Belize. The accident occurred after the van full with cruise ship passengers was returning from a popular tour at Jaguar Paw Cave. According to local sources the red SUV was attempting to overtake another vehicle when it collided into a white van carrying the tourists. As e result of the head-on collision, five passengers died including three residents of Belize and two cruise ship passengers.

Carnival Cruise Line released a statement saying that seven passengers sailing on Carnival Vista were injured and unfortunately one passenger died as a result of the injuries.

“We can confirm that 7 Carnival Vista guests, plus guests from another cruise line, were in a bus accident in Belize while on an independent tour. Sadly, one CCL guest died. Our CareTeam & medical staff have been activated to support guests & families. All emergency contacts have been notified. Please keep them in your thoughts & prayers.”

The other cruise ship passenger who died in the accident is believed to be sailing on the cruise ship MSC Meraviglia, which was also in Belize.

Belize Live New shared the following report with photos of the accident.

Immediately after the accident, emergency services were dispatched and the guests were transported to the nearby Hospital and medical teams from the ship has arrived to assist them in every possible way.

According to Dan Cottle who is sailing on Carnival Vista, the ship's departure was delayed and the Captain made an announcement that a group of passengers who took independent excursion were involved in a bus accident. There have been fatalities. Carnivals care team has been activated and onboard medical personnel are supposedly involved giving aid to those involved in this tragedy.

The names of the tourists involved in this tragic accident are known, but are being withheld until their families are notified.

Carnival Vista departed Galveston on November 23 on a 7-day voyage to Roatan, Belize City, and Cozumel, Mexico. Carnival said Vista will arrive in Cozumel as scheduled.