Early Monday morning, February 24, 2025, chaos struck the intersection of Avenida São Pedro and Avenida Farrapos in Porto Alegre, Brazil, when a bus from the public transportation company Carris collided with the entrance of Banco do Brasil. The bus, which had no passengers on board and was reportedly being driven back to the garage, was hit on the side by another vehicle, leading to the alarming crash.
According to the Empresa Pública de Transporte e Circulação (EPTC), the accident occurred just after midnight, with reports of the incident coming in at around 12:52 AM. Witnesses stated the bus was moving through the intersection following the green traffic light when it was suddenly struck by the car, which caused the bus driver, aged 47, to lose control of his vehicle.
The impact propelled the bus straight through the front entrance of the bank, severely damaging both the lobby and the structure, as lights and parts of the ceiling fell down upon impact. Fortunately, the driver of the bus emerged unharmed from the ordeal. On the other hand, the 65-year-old driver of the car suffered injuries, including a fractured foot, and was swiftly treated by emergency services on the scene.
Post-accident, the area around the bank was cordoned off by the EPTC to facilitate the removal of the vehicles involved and to secure the scene. The police were called to take stock of the incident, which was registered by the 9th Battalion of the Military Police. The intersection was temporarily closed; traffic was restored just after 3 AM.
The extent of the damage to the Banco do Brasil branch remains to be fully assessed as officials were awaiting inspections by forensic teams. News outlets are reporting the bank had recently reopened just six months prior, after previously closing due to flooding issues. Now, it faces additional challenges as it prepares for yet another period of restriction following the structural damage.
The EPTC has stated its dedication to ensuring public safety and is examining the events leading up to the crash. The organization clarified the bus was not operating at the time of the accident, emphasizing the necessity for vigilance on the city’s roads, especially intersections notorious for accidents. Many are now wondering if this incident will spark discussions on road safety and driving regulations, or if it serves as another reminder of the perils faced by public transport vehicles on busy city thoroughfares.
Locals expressed mixed emotions concerning the incident. Some were thankful no passengers were involved, highlighting how the scenario could have been far worse had the bus been operating during peak hours. Others raised questions about driver safety and the need for improved signage and traffic management around high-traffic intersections.
This bus crash incident points to wider concerns about urban transport infrastructure. With more vehicles on the road and increasing concerns about road safety, citizens hope this alarming event can facilitate changes to prevent future accidents. Discussions on emergency protocols and enforced regulations are particularly pertinent following incidents like this one.