Small village argument in Guatemala turns deadly

PAJOQUES, Guatemala - An argument among villagers over plans to build a cement factory and a highway erupted into a battle with guns and machetes, killing at least six people and seriously wounding dozens, authorities said Saturday.

At least six vehicles and a house were burned in Pajoques, a town about 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of the capital, Guatemala City.

The violence broke out late Friday when residents supporting the development projects argued with opponents, who say the construction would damage their lands, Interior Minister Mauricio Lopez Bonilla told The Associated Press on Saturday.

Lopez Bonilla, who visited the town after the violence, said the dead had gunshot and machete wounds. Preliminary reports said five of the victims were members of the same family.

The interior minister said authorities were searching the town for any other casualties.

Officials said they had located some witnesses and would shelter them away from the community.