At least 38 individuals were killed, and nine others were hospitalized after a tragic bus crash occurred in southeastern Brazil, as confirmed by officials. The accident, which took place in Minas Gerais state, involved a bus that caught fire after a collision, marking the deadliest incident on Brazil’s federal highways since 2007, according to the Federal Highway Police (PRF).
Preliminary reports indicated that a block of granite was “possibly” dislodged from a truck traveling in the opposite direction, striking the bus, as stated by the PRF. The driver of the truck was reported to have fled the scene, firefighters added.
Initially, it was reported that the bus suffered a tire blowout at around 4:00 am, leading the driver to lose control and collide with a truck. A subsequent collision with another vehicle occurred, but its occupants survived. Following the crash, the bus, which was traveling from Sao Paulo to Vitoria da Conquista in Bahia state, became engulfed in flames.
Throughout the day, the death toll continued to rise. The local fire department stated that the exact number of fatalities could not be confirmed immediately due to the condition of the bodies. Many of the victims had been trapped inside the burning bus, with charred remains later recovered from the wreckage.
Firefighters reported that a crane would be required to clear the debris, and more victims were expected to be retrieved. Among the deceased were the bus driver and at least one child.
Condolences were expressed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who described the crash as a “terrible tragedy” and extended prayers for the recovery of the survivors. The governor of Minas Gerais pledged to ensure that families of the victims would receive support to handle the tragedy as compassionately as possible.
This accident follows another fatal bus crash in late November, when 17 lives were lost in Alagoas state after a bus plunged into a ravine while navigating a remote mountain road.
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