A bus returning from the Our Lady of Candelaria festival overturned on a rural curve in Alagoas, Brazil, killing at least 16 people, including four children. About 60 people were on board; some were ejected while others were trapped beneath the wreckage and taken to hospital. Officials said seven women and five men were among the dead and described the situation as "highly complex" while the investigation continues. Governor Paulo Dantas declared three days of mourning and offered condolences to the victims' families.
Deadly Bus Overturn in Alagoas, Brazil — At Least 16 Killed, Including Four Children
Brazilian media reported that the bus had been returning from a religious festival when the accident occurred on Tuesday [Handout/Alagoas State government via AFP]
A bus returning from the Our Lady of Candelaria religious festival in Ceará veered off a curve and overturned on a rural road in Alagoas state on Tuesday, killing at least 16 people, officials said. Authorities confirmed that four of the dead were children.
The vehicle was carrying about 60 passengers when it tipped onto its side in the interior of Alagoas, ejecting some people and trapping others beneath the wreckage. Rescue teams carried out recovery and medical-evacuation operations; survivors, including a seriously injured child, were taken to local hospitals.
Fatalities and Investigation
The Alagoas regional government said the fatalities included seven women, five men and four children. Officials described the scene as "highly complex" and said the accident is under investigation. Authorities have not yet released details about the driver's condition or whether vehicle failure, road conditions or other factors contributed to the crash.
Eyewitness Accounts and Official Response
Colonel Andre Madeiro, director of the Alagoas Aviation Department, which participated in the rescue effort, described the scene at a news conference:
'The bus went off the road on a curve, overturned, and some people were thrown out. Some were trapped under the vehicle. It was a very bad accident, even atypical.'
Images shared on the X social media platform showed a severely mangled bus on its side and injured passengers nearby awaiting assistance. Governor Paulo Dantas offered condolences on social media and announced three days of official mourning for the state.
Context
Road fatalities are a persistent problem in Brazil. The Ministry of Transportation reported more than 10,000 traffic deaths in 2024, and several recent bus accidents in the northeast and other regions have underscored safety challenges on long-distance and rural roads.
Authorities continue rescue, recovery and investigative work at the crash site; further updates are expected as officials complete their inquiries and notify victims' families.
Help us improve.
