A catastrophic crash claimed 22 lives early Saturday in southeastern Brazil when a passenger bus collided with a truck on a highway near Teófilo Otoni, Minas Gerais state.
Officials report the crash also injured 13 people, now receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
The incident involved a bus traveling from São Paulo with 45 passengers on board. According to authorities, a blown tire caused the driver to lose control, veering the vehicle into the path of an oncoming truck.
“It was chaos,” said Lt. Fernando Alonso of the Minas Gerais Fire Department, who coordinated rescue efforts at the scene. “Our teams are still working to recover victims trapped in the wreckage.”
The chaos did not stop there. A car carrying three passengers also became entangled in the crash, though miraculously, all three occupants survived with minor injuries.
Local resident Carla Mendes, who lives near the crash site, described the harrowing moments after the collision.
“I heard the loudest explosion and ran to see what happened. The bus was engulfed in flames. People were screaming for help,” she recounted tearfully.
The highway where the crash occurred, BR-116, is infamous for accidents. Known as the “Highway of Death,” it spans much of southeastern Brazil, with heavy truck traffic and poorly maintained roads contributing to its grim reputation.
Transportation safety expert Rafael Moura highlights the ongoing risks.
“This tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter vehicle maintenance checks and infrastructure upgrades on BR-116,” Moura stated.
The Minas Gerais state government has declared three days of mourning in honor of the victims. Brazilian President Adriano Lima expressed his condolences via social media.
“We stand in solidarity with the families affected by this terrible accident. The government will ensure full support for those grieving this loss.”
As investigators work to determine the crash’s exact cause, Lt. Alonso emphasized the need for action.
“We must not let tragedies like this continue to happen. It’s time to prioritize safety for all travelers.”
This devastating event serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Brazil’s roadways and the lives at stake each day.
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