Route reopened at Cuyotenango’s kilometer 168 after clashes; several people treated for gas exposure

Traffic resumed on Guatemala’s CA-2 highway at kilometer 168 in Cuyotenango, Suchitepéquez, after police intervened to remove a blockade that had halted vehicles since the previous day.

The blockade began around 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, when about 50 people from Cuyotenango’s railway area occupied both lanes. The protesters opposed higher fuel prices and the rising cost of basic goods. The demonstration continued on Wednesday, prompting requests for the departmental governor and Suchitepéquez lawmakers to attend.

The National Civil Police said officers intervened at 3:40 p.m. after earlier talks had sought to keep the road open while allowing protesters to remain beside it. Police chief Jorge Chinchilla said the situation changed when some residents began throwing stones and assaults were reported. Officers then used deterrent measures to restore order. Local media videos showed riot police firing tear gas as some residents threw objects.

The Departmental Municipal Firefighters said about 50 civilians in nearby homes, along with staff and patients at the area’s primary care center, were evacuated to safe locations. Emergency crews provided prehospital care to several people affected by tear gas and to others injured by unidentified objects.

The Cuyotenango blockade formed part of protests continuing for a third consecutive day at several locations across the country. The demonstrations began on Monday as pressure on the government over its handling of fuel-price increases. Protesters have also called for reforms to the Road Safety Law and rejected the diesel price, which they said had reached about 45 quetzales per gallon.

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The situation changed when some residents began throwing stones and assaults were reported.