Alagoas State, Brazil — A tragic bus accident in eastern Brazil’s Alagoas state has left 23 people dead and dozens injured after a bus plunged into a ravine on a remote mountain road on Sunday, according to regional authorities.
Rescue services reported that 22 passengers died at the scene, while another victim, a pregnant woman, succumbed to her injuries after being transported to a hospital. The bus was carrying 40 passengers when it veered off the road near the town of Uni\u00e3o dos Palmares in the mountainous region known as Serra da Barriga.
Local media indicated that “dozens” were injured in the accident, highlighting the severity of the crash and the challenging rescue efforts due to the area’s difficult terrain. Emergency responders faced obstacles accessing the site, delaying aid to the victims.
State Governor Paulo Dantas expressed his condolences and declared three days of mourning over the “tragedy” on social media platform X. “Our hearts are with the families and friends of the victims during this difficult time,” he stated.
The cause of the accident is under investigation, with authorities examining potential factors such as road conditions, weather, and vehicle maintenance. The mountainous roads in the region are known for being treacherous, especially under adverse conditions.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of road safety in Brazil, where accidents on remote and difficult-to-navigate roads frequently result in casualties. The government has been urged to improve infrastructure and enforce stricter safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
The local community has come together to support the survivors and the families of those who lost their lives. Aid organizations are coordinating efforts to provide assistance and counseling to those affected by the disaster.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
