Tragic Collision Claims 37 Lives on Brazilian Highway

In a devastating accident early Saturday morning, a collision between a passenger bus and a truck claimed the lives of 37 people on a highway in Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. The incident occurred near the city of Teófilo Otoni and has been described as one of the deadliest road accidents in the region's recent history.

According to the Minas Gerais Fire Department, which led the rescue efforts, 13 survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals with varying degrees of injuries. The bus, reportedly en route from São Paulo, was carrying 45 passengers at the time of the crash.

Emergency responders worked tirelessly to recover victims and clear the wreckage. By Saturday afternoon, all casualties had been removed from the scene, allowing authorities to begin a detailed investigation into the cause of the tragedy.

Preliminary reports suggest that the accident may have been triggered by a blown tire on the bus, leading the driver to lose control and collide with an oncoming truck. Witnesses also reported that a granite block might have struck the bus during the incident, further complicating the situation. The fire department confirmed that both scenarios are being investigated as potential contributing factors.

Local authorities have expressed their condolences to the victims' families and pledged a thorough investigation to determine the precise cause of the accident. “This is a tragic event, and we are committed to understanding what happened and ensuring such incidents are prevented in the future,” a spokesperson for the fire department said.

The tragedy shows the ongoing challenges of road safety in Brazil, particularly on highways frequented by heavy trucks and passenger vehicles. As the investigation unfolds, communities across Minas Gerais are mourning the loss of lives in what should have been an ordinary journey.