A tragic bus accident on MG-223 in Araguari, Minas Gerais, early Tuesday morning has left at least ten people dead, including three children, and injured 16 others. The incident, which occurred around 3:40 AM near the "Trevo do Queixinho," involved a Real Expresso bus that was carrying 53 passengers from Anápolis, Goiás, to São Paulo after making stops in Goiânia and Caldas Novas.
According to the Corpo de Bombeiros, the bus overturned after the driver reportedly lost control, crossing the central median and rolling over on an access ramp. Eyewitness accounts suggest that several passengers were ejected from the vehicle, indicating that many were not wearing seatbelts. The bus was said to have departed Anápolis at 8:30 PM on Monday, April 7.
As rescue operations unfolded, emergency services transported five of the injured to the Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (HC-UFU) and 11 others to the UPA in Araguari. Reports indicate that nine of the injured are in serious condition, while others sustained minor injuries or refused treatment.
The official statement from Real Expresso expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, "The Real Expresso laments deeply the occurrence at 3:24 AM today involving one of its vehicles on MG-223 near Araguari. Our teams were mobilized immediately, including specialized professionals, to support the site and the families." The company confirmed that the bus was properly maintained and that the driver was well-rested before the trip.
In a separate statement, the Prefeitura de Araguari, through its Health Department, noted the overwhelming number of casualties and injuries. They urged the public to avoid the UPA unless in cases of emergency, as the facility was experiencing overcrowding due to the influx of accident victims. The statement read, "We are monitoring the consequences of the serious accident and are providing total support using all necessary means to assist the hospitals in our network in treating the victims."
The accident has prompted an investigation by the Agência Nacional de Transportes Terrestres (ANTT), which confirmed that the bus had the necessary documentation for interstate travel. The agency expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and stated that it is closely monitoring the situation.
As the news of the accident continues to unfold, the community is left in shock, mourning the loss of life and hoping for the swift recovery of the injured. The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for vigilance among drivers and passengers alike.
The bus accident in Araguari highlights significant issues surrounding transportation safety and corporate responsibility in the travel industry. Real Expresso's commitment to maintaining safety standards will be scrutinized as investigations proceed. The driver, who survived the crash, is expected to provide insights into the events leading up to the accident.
In light of this tragedy, the public is encouraged to reflect on safety measures while traveling, particularly the importance of seatbelt use and the need for drivers to be vigilant and well-rested. The loss of life, especially among young children, has sparked discussions on how to improve safety protocols in the transportation sector.
As the community of Araguari comes together to support the families affected by this tragedy, the hope remains that such incidents can be prevented in the future through stricter regulations and increased awareness of road safety practices.
