Tuesday night in Grão Mogol, northern Minas Gerais, turned devastating when a van carrying rural workers collided head-on with a truck on BR-251. The crash, one of the deadliest recent road accidents in the region, claimed nine lives and left twelve others injured, turning what should have been a routine journey home into a profound tragedy. The incident has reignited concerns about road safety, illegal passenger transport, and the condition of Brazil’s federal highways.
What Happened
The van, carrying 19 seasonal workers returning to Ceará after a long day of harvesting, traveled along a stretch of BR-251 notorious for accidents. Early reports indicate that the truck suddenly crossed into the opposite lane, colliding directly with the van. The impact was catastrophic, leaving vehicles mangled, debris scattered, and victims trapped inside.
Emergency teams from SAMU, the Fire Department, Civil Police, and the Federal Highway Police (PRF) acted quickly, working through the night to rescue the injured and recover those who had died. Despite their efforts, the severity of the crash made survival impossible for many passengers.
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