A tragic accident claimed the lives of at least 38 people early Saturday when a full passenger bus collided with a truck and burst into flames. The incident happened in Brazil. The fire department confirmed that the bus, which had departed from São Paulo, was carrying 45 passengers when the crash occurred near the town of Teófilo Otoni in Minas Gerais.
After extensive efforts by rescue teams, all victims were removed from the site, and 13 survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals. The bus driver was among the confirmed dead. What caused Brazil accident which killed 38 people? CBS News reported that the cause of the accident is still under investigation, with initial reports suggesting that a blown tyre may have caused the driver to lose control.
However, witnesses also reported that a granite block the truck was transporting became dislodged and fell onto the road, contributing to the collision. The crash also involved a car with three passengers, but fortunately, all survived. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, with the fire department emphasizing that a forensic examination will ultimately determine the exact cause of the crash.
Brazil leaders want accident victims supported Minas Gerais Governor Romeu Zema expressed condolences for the victims and their families, calling for “full mobilisation” of the state government to assist those affected by the tragedy, especially in light of its timing just before Christmas.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also extended his sympathy via social media, stating that the government was ready to provide any necessary support and that the Federal Highway Police had been deployed to the scene. “I deeply regret and send my prayers to the families of the more than 30 fatal victims of the accident in Teófilo Otoni, Minas Gerais.
I pray for the recovery of the survivors of this terrible tragedy. The Federal Highway Police are at the scene of the accident, and the federal government is at the disposal of the city of Teófilo Otoni and the government of Minas Gerais for anything that may be necessary,” he said.
by Nancy Odindo
