Bus crash in Brazils Alagoas state kills at least 16 people

Bus Overturns in Northeastern Brazil, Killing at Least 16 People

A bus carrying approximately 60 passengers has crashed and overturned on a curve in the rural interior of Alagoas state, resulting in the deaths of at least 16 individuals. The victims include four children, seven women, five men, and three others.

According to officials, the bus was returning from a religious festival in Ceara state after February 2 celebrations. The incident occurred on Tuesday, with some passengers being ejected from the vehicle while others were trapped beneath the wreckage.

Colonel Andre Madeiro, director of the Alagoas Aviation Department, described the accident as “highly complex” and stated that it was a “very bad accident, even atypical.” Rescue efforts involved multiple agencies, including his department.

Survivors of the crash, including a seriously injured child, were taken to hospital for medical care. Governor Paulo Dantas has declared three days of mourning in the state, expressing solidarity with the families and friends affected by the tragedy.

This incident is part of a broader trend of road accidents in Brazil, which have claimed thousands of lives in recent years. In 2024 alone, over 10,000 people died in traffic accidents across the country, including incidents involving buses and trucks.

Source: Al Jazeera