Saturday, March 29, 2025
Brazil Bus Tragedy: 15 Pilgrims Killed Returning from Religious Festival, 3 Children Among Dead
Brasilia/Alagoas, February 4, 2026: A horrific road accident in Brazil’s northeastern state of Alagoas claimed 15 lives when a bus carrying pilgrims overturned. Among the deceased were 7 women, 5 men, and 3 innocent children. The devotees were returning from the annual ‘Our Lady of Candelaria’ religious festival in Serra.
Cause of Accident and Rescue Efforts
The bus had 60 passengers on board. At a sharp bend, the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and flip. Alagoas Aviation Department Director Colonel André Medeiros said most deaths occurred when victims were trapped under the bus. Rescue teams used cranes to right the vehicle and extract trapped passengers.
Three Days of Official Mourning
Governor Paulo Dantas expressed profound grief and declared three days of state mourning. He assured compensation for victims’ families. The injured were rushed to hospitals, where their condition is now reported stable.
Police Action and Context
Police have seized the accident bus and registered a case against the driver, launching an investigation. Brazil’s road accident rate remains concerning—a similar bus crash in Pernambuco in October 2025 killed 17 people. This latest tragedy renews scrutiny on the country’s transport department and road safety measures.
