Seventeen people tragically lost their lives on Sunday when a bus plunged into a ravine on a remote mountain road in Brazil’s northeastern Alagoas state, authorities confirmed.
Police are currently working to identify the victims and recover bodies from the wreckage of the bus, which fell more than 20 meters (65 feet) into a deep ravine. The state government reported that several others were injured in the accident.
In response to the tragedy, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva offered his condolences and promised full support to state authorities in assisting the victims and their families. Through the social media platform X, the president expressed that his government would provide “all necessary support” to the local efforts.
Alagoas Governor Paulo Dantas also took to X to declare three days of mourning for the victims, calling the incident a “tragedy.”
The bus was en route to a historical site near the town of União dos Palmares when it went off the road. The vehicle was reportedly carrying around 40 passengers at the time of the crash. Early reports suggest the driver lost control of the bus, possibly due to a mechanical failure. The area where the crash occurred is challenging to access, located near the Serra da Barriga mountain range, a site of historical significance to many Brazilians.
This region holds deep historical relevance, as it was home to a settlement in the 17th century that was part of the Quilombo dos Palmares, a community of escaped slaves. The Quilombo, which ultimately fell to Portuguese colonial forces, is a symbol of resistance and independence. November is particularly significant in Brazil as it is the month of “Black Awareness,” culminating in the public holiday on November 20, which marks the anniversary of the death of Zumbi, the prominent leader of the Quilombo.
Brazil’s Minister for Racial Equality, Anielle Franco, expressed her sorrow over the incident, stating on X that she was “hit hard” by the news. She added that the tragedy was especially poignant given the ongoing events celebrating Black Awareness in the region.
