A tragic bus accident in Brazil&rsquo;s Alagoas state on November 24, 2024, left 17 dead and 28 injured after the vehicle plunged over a 20-meter cliff near Uni&atilde;o dos Palmares. The bus, carrying 45 passengers, was en route to the Quilombo dos Palmares Memorial Park for the &ldquo;Sunset on the Serra&rdquo; cultural event, part of Black Consciousness Month celebrations.
Among the deceased was a pregnant woman who died en route to the hospital. Several children were also on board. The rugged terrain made rescue operations challenging, requiring helicopter assistance to reach victims.
Survivors were transported to local hospitals, with 24 ICU beds allocated by the state government to ensure proper care.
Initial reports suggest mechanical failure caused the driver to lose control. Witnesses described the region as dangerous for large vehicles, sparking criticism over bus safety in areas with steep inclines.
President Luiz In&aacute;cio Lula da Silva pledged federal aid, while Alagoas Governor Paulo Dantas declared three days of mourning and mobilised resources for victims' families.
The Civil Police of Alagoas is leading an investigation to determine whether safety protocols were followed. Local journalists have long warned about the risks of transporting passengers through the area&rsquo;s treacherous roads.
This tragedy highlights Brazil&rsquo;s ongoing road safety concerns, emphasising the need for improved infrastructure and stricter vehicle regulations. Authorities aim to prevent similar disasters while supporting affected families.
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Bus plunge over the cliff in near União dos Palmares in Brazil (image courtesy @RochexRB27)

Cliffside plunge claims live, injures 28; probe underway

Bus Crash Kills 17 in Brazil’s Alagoas State

Cliffside plunge claims live, injures 28; probe underway

November 25, 2024 | 16:01 IST