Brazil’s Federal Highway Police announced that at least 15 people were killed in a bus crash in the northeastern state of Pernambuco on Friday night when the driver lost control of the vehicle.
The crash occurred around 8:00 PM when the driver lost control of the bus, crossed into the oncoming lane, hit rocks on the side of the highway, and then hit a sandbar and overturned. According to the Federal Highway Police, the causes of the crash are under investigation.
According to a list obtained by police, there were 30 passengers on board, and half of them have been confirmed dead so far: 11 women and four men. The total number of injuries has not yet been announced.
According to official sources, at least 15 people were killed and approximately 20 others injured in a tragic bus accident on a highway in the northeastern Brazilian state of Pernambuco on Saturday. The accident occurred Friday night on a federal highway between the municipalities of Paranatama and Saloá. The Federal Highway Police reported that the bus driver lost control of the vehicle, crossed into the opposite lane, hit rocks on the roadside, and then hit a sandbank, overturning the bus.
The driver survived the accident.
The bus driver, who suffered minor injuries, survived the accident. He took a breathalyzer test and tested negative.
He was later taken to the police station to give a statement. While the exact cause of the accident has not yet been confirmed, Brazilian authorities have launched an investigation to clarify the circumstances.
It was learned that the bus had approximately 30 passengers, all of whom had returned to the northeastern Brazilian state of Bahia. The fact that most of the victims were originally from this region further compounded the tragedy for the affected families.
Bahia Governor Jerônimo Rodrigues expressed his deep sorrow over the “very serious accident” and offered his condolences to the families of the victims. In his message, he emphasized his concern for the needs of the injured and their families and offered the Bahia government’s cooperation with Pernambuco authorities in any necessary matter. In a statement on social media, he said, “We are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to provide the necessary support to Pernambuco authorities.”
Shortly afterwards, the governor announced the mobilization of the Ministry of Health, the Fire Department, and the Bahia Technical Police to provide assistance to the victims and assist in identifying the deceased. Local authorities are continuing their efforts to clarify the causes of the tragic accident.
Bus Crash in Northeast Brazil: At Least 15 People Killed
At least 15 people were killed in a tragic bus crash that occurred in the northeastern Brazilian state of Pernambuco on Friday night, October 17. According to the Federal Highway Police, the bus driver briefly veered into the wrong lane and lost control, before the vehicle veered off the road and overturned. Fifteen people, 11 of whom were women, were reportedly killed in the accident, and more than 15 were injured. Approximately 30 passengers were on board.
Incident Details:
Place and Time: Pernambuco state, northeastern Brazil. The accident occurred late on the night of October 17.
Cause: The driver veered into the wrong lane and subsequently lost control. Police observed signs that some passengers were not wearing seat belts.
Results:
Death toll: At least 15 (mostly women).
Injuries: More than 15, some in critical condition. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals.
Vehicle Status: The bus overturned after hitting rocks on the roadside.
Road accidents are unfortunately common in Brazil; More than 10,000 people died in traffic accidents nationwide in 2024. This incident reignited debates about road safety and driver training.
This accident was recorded as one of Brazil’s most common traffic accidents. While road safety problems persist nationwide, according to 2024 data, more than 10,000 people die in traffic accidents annually.
Source: Musitem Haber
