A bus operated by Carris crashed through the entrance of a Banco do Brasil branch early Monday morning, February 24, 2025, at the intersection of Avenida Farrapos and Avenida São Pedro, located in the São Geraldo neighborhood of Porto Alegre. The incident occurred just before 1 AM and sent shockwaves through the local community.
According to the Empresa Pública de Transporte e Circulação (EPTC), the driver of the bus, aged 47, was returning to the garage with no passengers onboard when the accident happened. "I was driving along Avenida São Pedro when another car struck my bus on the side, near the front wheel," he reported. The impact caused the bus to lose its brakes, resulting in the vehicle crashing through the bank's facade.
The bus driver fortunately escaped without injuries, but the 65-year-old driver of the car was not as lucky. He sustained injuries and was rushed to receive medical attention; reports indicate he fractured one of his feet. The specifics of his current state remain unclear.
The scene was chaotic immediately following the crash. Eyewitnesses described the sound as shocking, with many rushing to see the aftermath. One local resident noted, "It was surreal; I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the bus inside the bank!"
Due to the accident, traffic around the intersection faced significant disruptions. One lane of Avenida Farrapos was blocked going toward the city center, causing delays for motorists. Authorities worked quickly to manage the scene and control vehicular movement, with the road being completely cleared only after the bus was removed, around 3 AM.
Investigations are currently underway to determine the reasons behind the collision. EPTC officials are exploring whether mechanical failure or driver error may have contributed to the bus losing control. Preliminary reports suggest the car may have crossed oncoming traffic, leading to the accident.
The crash not only caused physical damage to the Banco do Brasil branch—reportedly damaging the lobby area, including falling lights and dislodged ceiling panels—but also raised safety concerns about traffic regulations and driving behaviors at the busy intersection.
Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution, especially with recent reports of reckless driving habits observed near the intersection. They are currently reviewing traffic footage to glean any additional insights or improvements needed to prevent similar incidents from occurring.
This incident adds to the growing list of traffic-related accidents, which have been increasingly highlighted by local news. Porto Alegre has faced criticism over road safety standards, leading to calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws. A spokesperson from the local government stated, "We need to prioritize safety and evaluate whether there are adequate measures to prevent accidents like this from happening again."
The local community is now reflecting on the incident as they seek to understand not only the immediate impacts but also the broader lessons about traffic safety. More safety measures may be implemented as community leaders respond to these concerns, aiming to improve accountability among drivers.
Meanwhile, the Banco do Brasil branch is scheduled to conduct repairs following the extensive damage. Customers are being directed to alternative locations for their banking needs and are advised to check online for updates.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of road traffic and the importance of attentive driving. Incidents like these can happen at any time, underscoring the need for vigilance and responsibility from all road users.