Tragic Bus and Truck Collision in Southeastern Brazil Claims 35 Lives

In the early hours of Saturday, a devastating accident occurred on a highway in Southeastern Brazil, near the town of Lajinha in Minas Gerais state. A passenger bus collided with a truck, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 35 lives. The bus, which had departed from Sao Paulo, was carrying 45 passengers when a tyre blew, causing the driver to lose control and crash into the truck. A car also collided with the bus, but all three occupants survived.

The fire department reported that 13 people were injured and transported to hospitals in Teofilo Otoni. Authorities have removed all victims from the crash site and are investigating the cause of the accident. Governor Romeu Zema has ordered full support for the survivors and victims' families, emphasizing the tragedy's timing just before Christmas.

The truck driver fled the scene and is currently being sought by police. The highway where the accident occurred is noted as the deadliest in Brazil for 2023, with 559 deaths. In 2024, over 10,000 traffic-related deaths were recorded across the country. A similar incident in September involved a bus carrying the Coritiba Crocodiles football team, resulting in three fatalities.