A tragic accident on Thursday night has left 12 students dead and 19 injured after their bus collided with a truck on the Waldir Canevari Highway near Nuporanga, São Paulo. The bus was returning students from the University of Franca (Unifran), who were making their way home when the crash occurred, drawing national attention and condolences from the academic community.
Witnesses described harrowing scenes as emergency responders worked amid confusion and panic. One of the survivors, 19-year-old Lucas Bonfim, who also coordinated the group of students, recounted the chilling moments during the crash. "I saw the shards flying at my face, my arms, my legs. I am all scraped up, but thank God I survived. Unfortunately, I wish all my friends could have survived. It was a horrible tragedy," said Bonfim, visibly shaken. He praised the bus driver’s quick actions to avoid even greater catastrophe. "The driver helped immensely. He swerved the bus to the side. If he hadn't done this, the accident would have been even worse. There were families there, many worried relatives," he added.
The collision occurred just after 11 PM, and immediate investigations began. Authorities confirmed the bus was carrying 30 people, all students returning home. The bus, operated by G. Ramos Transportes, had undergone proper inspections and was reportedly up to code according to the São Paulo State Transportation Agency.
Initial chaos witnessed at the scene revealed the extent of the tragedy, as rescuers scrambled to assist the injured. The impact destroyed the entire left side of the bus, with severe repercussions for those inside. Local hospitals received 19 injured individuals, with the majority experiencing only minor injuries. Thankfully, as of Friday morning, many had already been released following treatment.
The victims, tragically all students, ranged from various fields of study. The loss has particularly affected Unifran, which declared three days of official mourning and suspended all classes. Among the deceased were students like Caio Felizardo da Silva, studying psychology, and João Pedro de Oliveira dos Reis, who was pursuing architecture. A list of the victims released highlights the diverse group, emphasizing the immeasurable loss to families and friends.
The truck driver, Evandro Rogério Leite, reportedly lost control of his vehicle, leading to the fatal collision. He is currently hospitalized and will face charges including involuntary manslaughter and failure to provide aid, following his escape from the crash scene.
Confirming the societal impact of this incident, communities have come together to mourn. The Atlética Unificada da Unifran expressed their condolences publicly, calling for remembrance and space for grief among peers. The response was echoed on social media platforms, where classmates shared heartfelt tributes to the deceased.
Police and investigators have provided updates as they work diligently to understand the accident's causes, focusing on the actions leading to the collision. Public officials, including Governor Tarcísio de Freitas, expressed their solidarity with the families, promising to oversee the investigation personally and ensuring accountability.
The accident has reignited discussions about road safety, particularly concerning bus transportation for students. Many are now calling for stricter regulations and enhanced safety measures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring. Community leaders are urging stakeholders to prioritize student safety as part of broader traffic reform discussions.
Funeral services are planned for the victims, with arrangements including private ceremonies for families and public remembrances, allowing the community to pay their respects. The grim incident on the Waldir Canevari Highway remains deeply felt, not only among those directly affected but also throughout the entire region.
Discussions have emerged about mental health support for the surviving students, who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. Unifran has offered counseling services to help them cope with the traumatic events surrounding the accident.
While the pain of loss is fresh, the community is slowly coming together to offer support and healing, determined to honor lives cut short and advocate for necessary change to prevent future tragedies.