On Tuesday, February 3rd, a fatal accident occurred in the northeastern state of Alagoas, Brazil. A bus carrying dozens of pilgrims overturned on its return journey, resulting in at least 16 deaths, including 4 children. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.
According to media reports, this serious rollover accident took place on the AL-220 highway in Sao Jose da Tapera, a city in Alagoas. The bus was carrying approximately 60 passengers at the time.
The Alagoas state government stated in a press release that the accident, which occurred in a rural area of the state, claimed the lives of 16 individuals, including 7 women, 5 men, and 4 children. They described the situation as “highly complex.”
Local media reported that the bus was returning from the annual “Our Lady of Candelaria” celebration in the state of Ceara. This event, held on February 2nd each year, attracts thousands of faithful followers.
Following the accident, the Alagoas state government promptly dispatched personnel from the state aviation authority, fire department, and other agencies to the scene to carry out triage, rescue, and evacuation operations.
Colonel André Madeiro, head of the Alagoas state aviation department involved in the rescue operation, stated at a press conference that the bus veered off the road at a curve and overturned. Some passengers were ejected from the vehicle, while others were trapped under the wreckage. Survivors have been taken to local hospitals for treatment, including a severely injured child.
He said, “This is a very serious accident, and one could even say it is atypical. The exact cause of the accident awaits further investigation.”
Witnesses reported that the bus lost control and veered off the road at the accident site.
Governor Paulo Dantas of Alagoas promptly declared a three-day period of mourning. He wrote on the social media platform X, “In this moment of sadness, I extend my condolences to the families and friends of the victims.”
Last October, a bus lost control in the northeastern state of Pernambuco, leading to 17 deaths.