A tragic accident occurred early on Saturday morning in Brazil’s Minas Gerais state, claiming the lives of 38 people. A passenger bus collided with a truck on a highway, leading to this devastating loss.
The bus was traveling from Sao Paulo with 45 passengers on board, and the crash left many in critical condition. The accident is still under investigation, and authorities are trying to determine the exact cause.
The Crash: What Happened?
The accident happened on a highway near Teofilo Otoni in Minas Gerais. According to officials, the crash occurred after the bus’s tire reportedly blew out, causing the driver to lose control and crash into a truck.
Some witnesses suggested that a granite block also struck the bus. In addition to the bus and truck, a car carrying three passengers also collided with the bus, but fortunately, all three passengers in the car survived the incident.
Rescue Operations and Medical Support
The Minas Gerais fire department quickly responded to the scene, removing all the victims from the crash site. Thirteen people were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The tragedy occurred just before Christmas, making it even more heartbreaking for the families of the victims. The state government, led by Governor Romeu Zema, has fully mobilized to provide support to the families and help them during this tragic time.
Investigation Underway: Understanding the Cause
Officials have announced that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the accident.
While some witnesses claim the bus’s tire blew, others believe a granite block hit the bus, leading to the collision. The Brazilian Ministry of Transportation has stated that over 10,000 people have lost their lives in traffic accidents in 2024 alone.
This latest crash highlights the continuing issue of road safety in Brazil.
Impact on the Families and Community
The incident has deeply affected the local community and the families of the victims.
Governor Zema emphasized that the Minas Gerais government is doing everything it can to support the victims’ families during this difficult time, especially as the tragedy comes right before Christmas.
The local authorities are committed to making sure the victims’ families receive all the help they need to cope with their loss.
FAQs
- What caused the bus accident in Minas Gerais?
- The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but reports suggest that a tire blowout and a granite block striking the bus may have contributed to the crash.
- How many people were on the bus during the accident?
- There were 45 passengers on the bus when the accident occurred.
- Were there any survivors in the crash?
- Yes, 13 people were injured and taken to hospitals, and all three passengers in the car that collided with the bus survived.
- What actions is the Minas Gerais government taking to support the victims?
- Governor Romeu Zema has ordered a full mobilization of the state government to assist the victims and their families during this tragedy.
- How many people have died in traffic accidents in Brazil in 2024?
- According to the Brazilian Ministry of Transportation, more than 10,000 people have lost their lives in traffic accidents in Brazil in 2024.