SAO PAULO — In a tragic incident late Thursday night, a collision between a bus filled with university students and a truck occurred on a highway in southeastern Brazil, resulting in the deaths of 12 passengers and injuring an additional 21, authorities reported on Friday.
According to officials, the truck driver, who also sustained injuries, attempted to escape the scene of the accident near Nuporanga, a city located approximately 370 kilometers (230 miles) from the capital of the state. However, he was apprehended soon after and later received medical care. The driver now faces charges that include fleeing the scene, involuntary manslaughter, and causing bodily harm.
All those who lost their lives in this unfortunate event were students from the University of Franca. The injured individuals were promptly taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Footage from local television outlets displayed images of the crash scene, showcasing the extent of the damage to the bus, particularly its left side, which was severely impacted during the collision.
In response to this catastrophic event, Governor Tarcísio de Freitas has declared three days of official mourning for the state of Sao Paulo, the site of the accident.
The University of Franca expressed its grief in a statement, saying, “It is with great sadness and sorrow that we receive the news that our students had their dreams cut short in a tragic accident.”
The Brazilian Ministry of Transportation reported that traffic accidents claimed the lives of over 10,000 individuals in 2024 alone.
This incident is reminiscent of another severe accident that took place in December, involving a collision between a passenger bus and a truck in Minas Gerais state, which resulted in the loss of 38 lives.
Additionally, in September of the previous year, a bus transporting the Coritiba Crocodiles football team overturned while on its way to a game in Rio de Janeiro, resulting in three fatalities. That game was later canceled due to the tragic circumstances surrounding the incident.
