SAO PAULO (AP) — A tragic bus accident in northeastern Brazil has resulted in the death of 15 individuals, as confirmed by local authorities on Saturday. The incident occurred when a passenger bus carrying approximately 30 people crashed into a sand embankment and overturned. The bus had departed from the state of Bahia and was traveling in Saloá, a city located in the neighboring state of Pernambuco.

According to police reports, the driver lost control of the vehicle, veered into the opposite lane, and collided with rocks present on the roadside. After regaining control and returning to the correct lane, the vehicle subsequently crashed into the sand embankment, leading to its overturning. The specific cause of the crash is currently under investigation by authorities.

The driver of the bus sustained minor injuries and, following a test, was found to be negative for alcohol consumption. The number of passengers injured in the accident has not been immediately disclosed, but they were transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. The local government is prioritizing support for rescue operations and the identification of the victims.

Bahia Governor Jerônimo Teixeira expressed his condolences via a post on X, where he stated, "I am following the situation with my team and deeply mourn the loss of lives, the injuries, and the suffering of all the families." This incident underscores the ongoing issue of road safety in Brazil, where traffic accidents continue to claim lives at an alarming rate.

In 2024, more than 10,000 people lost their lives in traffic-related incidents across Brazil, as reported by the Ministry of Transportation. The safety of passenger buses has come under scrutiny due to a series of tragic events in recent months. In April of this year, another disastrous bus rollover in southeastern Brazil led to the deaths of 11 individuals, including two children. Earlier, in February, a collision between a bus transporting university students and a truck on a highway in São Paulo state resulted in 12 fatalities.

In a related incident last September, a bus carrying the Coritiba Crocodiles football team overturned on a road, leading to the death of three people. The team has been resilient in the aftermath and has since sought inspiration from the National Football League (NFL) to aid in their recovery and rebuilding efforts.

The repeated occurrences of deadly traffic accidents highlight the urgent need for improved safety measures and regulations for public transportation in Brazil. The government and various agencies are urged to take significant action to prevent future tragedies and protect the lives of passengers on the road.

___

For ongoing coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean, visit https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america.