37 Dead in Horrific Bus-Truck Crash on Brazilian Highway
Teofilo Otoni, Minas Gerais, Brazil - A devastating collision between a passenger bus and a truck on a highway in southeastern Brazil has left 37 people dead and 13 others injured.
The tragic incident occurred early Saturday morning near the city of Teofilo Otoni in Minas Gerais state. According to authorities, the bus, carrying 45 passengers, was traveling from São Paulo when it collided head-on with a truck.
The impact of the crash was catastrophic, instantly killing the bus driver and several passengers. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and transported the injured to nearby hospitals, where 13 victims remain in critical condition.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion at the moment of impact. The bus was torn apart, with debris scattered across the highway. The truck was badly mangled and burst into flames.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Initial reports suggest that excessive speed and fatigue may have played a role.
The bus passengers were reportedly a group of tourists returning from a trip to the historic city of Ouro Preto.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and ordered the mobilization of federal resources to support the rescue efforts and investigation.
The crash has cast a pall over Brazil, reminding the nation of the dangers of road travel. The country has one of the highest rates of traffic fatalities in the world, with an estimated 40,000 deaths annually.
Casualty List
The names of the deceased have not yet been released, but officials have provided a preliminary list of the nationalities of the victims:
* 35 Brazilians
* 1 Argentinian
* 1 Spanish
Injured
* 13 passengers with life-threatening injuries
* Numerous injured with non-life-threatening conditions
Investigation
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and authorities are considering the following factors:
* Speed
* Driver fatigue
* Vehicle maintenance
* Road conditions
* Weather
The results of the investigation are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Support for Victims
The government of Minas Gerais has established a support center for the families of the victims. Psychological counseling, legal assistance, and financial aid are being provided.
The bus company involved in the accident has also expressed its condolences and pledged to assist the victims and their families in any way possible.
💔Tragic news from Brazil: A bus and truck collision on a highway in Minas Gerais claimed the lives of 37 people. 13 others were injured. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. #Brazil #HighwayCrash
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