A road accident late Thursday night claimed the lives of 12 university students and left 21 others injured in Brazil’s southeastern state of Sao Paulo. The tragic collision between a bus and a truck has sent shockwaves through the state, with officials declaring a three-day mourning period.
The students, who were returning home from the private University of Franca (UNIFRAN), lost their lives when their bus was involved in a deadly crash. Sao Paulo State Governor Tarcisio Freitas expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating, “They saw their dreams cut short.” He confirmed that the state government had taken immediate action in response to the tragedy.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, and the 21 injured victims were taken to nearby hospitals. Most were discharged after treatment, but one person suffered a serious head injury, while three others remain hospitalized in stable condition.
Authorities have placed the truck driver under arrest while he receives medical care, charging him with “fleeing the scene, negligent homicide, and negligent bodily harm.” Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash.
In a statement, the University of Franca expressed deep sorrow, announcing that classes would be suspended on Friday and that a three-day mourning period had been declared. “It is with great sadness and regret that we received the news that our students had their dreams cut short in a tragic accident,” the university said.
The accident echoes past road tragedies in Brazil. In December 2024, a bus crash in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais claimed 41 lives, marking the worst accident on Brazil’s federal highways since 2007. The frequency of such incidents has raised concerns about road safety in the country, with many calling for stricter regulations and better infrastructure to prevent future tragedies.
Governor Freitas emphasized the need for action to ensure the safety of students and commuters. As families mourn the loss of their loved ones, the state of Sao Paulo stands in solidarity with them, reflecting on the urgency of addressing road safety issues to prevent similar heartbreak in the future.
