At least 23 people have been killed, including two children, after a minibus and a lorry collided head-on in southern Brazil.
Highway police said another five people were injured in the Brazil bus crash. The collision happened early Wednesday on the BR-373 highway in Paraná state.
The crash took place near kilometre 209 of the highway. Emergency workers quickly arrived at the scene and began dealing with the victims and damaged vehicles.
Minibus Was Carrying Patients
Local media reported that the minibus belonged to health authorities in the nearby city of Imbituva.
The vehicle was carrying patients and their relatives to medical appointments in Ponta Grossa. The city sits about 60 kilometres from Imbituva.
The journey turned deadly when the minibus collided with the lorry.
Police confirmed that the lorry driver also died in the crash. Authorities have not yet established why the two vehicles collided.
Investigators are now examining the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Highway Closed After Deadly Collision
The authorities closed the BR-373 highway for almost seven hours following the crash.
During that time, forensic experts and Brazil’s Federal Highway Police examined the site. Investigators collected evidence that could help determine how the collision happened.
The closure also allowed emergency crews to safely work at the scene and remove the wreckage.
Officials have not yet released a final explanation for the cause of the crash.
Road Accidents Remain a Major Problem
Deadly traffic accidents occur regularly across Brazil, where millions of people rely on roads for daily travel.
A World Bank study found that more than 34,000 people died in road traffic accidents in Brazil in 2023.
Motorcyclists accounted for many of those fatalities, highlighting the country’s continuing road safety challenges.
The latest Brazil bus crash has added to the country’s long list of serious road accidents.
Authorities will now focus on determining whether road conditions, vehicle problems, driver behaviour or another factor contributed to the collision.
For the families of those who died, the investigation may provide important answers about how the tragedy occurred.
The five injured people are receiving medical attention, while officials continue to work through the aftermath of the deadly crash in Paraná.
