The bus, which was carrying 48 people, collided with a truck, resulting in the deaths of 38 passengers and two of the drivers, the local authorities said, adding that the driver of the truck also died.
The bus caught fire and was completely engulfed in flames and images from the site showed only the metal frame of the vehicle after the collision.
A total of 38 passengers have been confirmed dead with both the drivers of the bus as well as the truck dead in the accident, authorities said, according to reports.
Bus operator Tours Acosta said that at the time of the accident, the bus was in optimal condition, moving at a “moderate speed” in accordance with the Federal Jurisdiction Roads and Bridges Traffic Rules and all applicable regulations. It said that the truck travelling in the opposite direction veered into the lane of the bus.
“Despite the manoeuvres performed by our operator it was impossible to avoid the collision,” it said on Facebook in an update.
It said in the statement that it was “profoundly sorry about what happened” and that it was working with authorities to find out what happened.
“The public ministry has informed us that the investigation will be taking effect in the prosecutor's office of the municipality of Candelaria, Campeche, for this reason, the relatives of our passengers and friends will have to go to this department to perform the relevant procedure,” it said.
The recovery work to find more remains was underway as only “18 skulls” have been recovered from the site of the accident, sources for the security of Tabasco told Reuters.
Authorities said they will issue an update on the details of the victims and identities.
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Reuters images show the bus completely burned out after it was engulfed by flames following the collision, with just the skeletal remains of the metal frame left standing.
"So far, only 18 skulls have been confirmed, but much more is missing," sources for the security of Tabasco said on condition of anonymity, adding that recovery work continued.
Bus operator Tours Acosta said it was "profoundly sorry about what happened," in a post on Facebook, adding that it was working with authorities to find out what happened and if the bus had been traveling within the speed limit.
