Guatemala City, Guatemala—Two people were killed in a road accident early Friday caused by sudden, heavy volcanic ash emissions from the Fuego volcano. The discharge drastically reduced visibility on a highway near the volcano’s southern slopes.

Drivers in the area reported that a cloud of ash descended upon the road, causing a multi-vehicle pile-up. Rescue teams were forced to wear breathing apparatuses to access the victims due to the high concentration of particulate matter.

The National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction confirmed the casualties as emergency crews worked to clear the road. Ashfall has continued to accumulate, making travel in the region increasingly dangerous.

Local authorities had previously issued warnings regarding the volcano’s elevated activity, but the suddenness of this particular plume caught drivers unprepared. The highway remains closed as crews clear the thick layers of ash from the pavement.

Health officials are advising residents in surrounding departments to stay indoors and cover their water supplies. The combination of ash and high moisture can make roads slick and structural surfaces unstable.

Investigators are assessing whether the accident occurred due to mechanical failure in the low-visibility conditions or collisions caused by sudden braking. Traffic is being diverted to avoid the exclusion zone around the volcano.

This latest incident marks a dangerous development in an already active period for the Fuego volcano. Frequent explosions and ash plumes have kept the region in a state of high alert for several weeks.

Monitoring stations are tracking the volcano’s internal pressure to determine if a larger eruption is imminent. Recovery and cleanup operations will continue as long as wind patterns keep the ash focused on the transport corridor.