A tragic bus accident in southeastern Brazil killed at least 22 people early Saturday. The incident occurred in the state of Minas Gerais near the town of Lajinha. The bus, traveling from Sao Paulo, crashed into a truck after blowing a tire around 4 a.m.
After losing control, the bus collided with the truck and caught fire. About 22 passengers were trapped inside. Firefighters worked for hours to extinguish the flames and recover the victims’ bodies. Thirteen survivors sought medical help. Another vehicle rammed into the bus from behind but its occupants survived.
“After hours of work, firefighters managed to extinguish the flames and have removed 22 charred bodies of victims who were trapped” inside, the fire department said in a statement.
Safety experts have expressed concern over frequent bus accidents during the festive season. Dr. Luiz Santos, a transport safety specialist, highlighted the risks of overworked drivers and poorly maintained vehicles. “Many accidents occur during peak travel periods when more buses are on the road,” he said.
Bus accident fuels alarm
Bus accidents have been common in recent months, fueling alarms over safety standards. In October, a similar incident in Brazil’s São Paulo state killed 15 people when a bus plunged into a ravine. Last month, another bus accident claimed the lives of 12 passengers in Minas Gerais.
The Brazilian government has promised to improve road safety and inspect buses more frequently. “We are taking immediate action to prevent further tragedies like this,” said a government official.
Experts also noted the frequency of bus accidents during the holiday season. “More people travel by bus, which leads to increased accidents,” said Siqueira Carlos. “We must implement stricter regulations and ensure better safety training for drivers.”
Transport companies are facing increased pressure to ensure bus safety. João Silva, head of a major Brazilian transport company, acknowledged the need for improvement. “We are committed to enhancing vehicle maintenance and driver training,” he stated.
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