At least 23 people, including two children, have died in a head-on collision between a minibus and a lorry in southern Brazil.
A head-on collision between a minibus and a lorry on the BR-373 highway in Paraná state has killed at least 23 people, including two children, and injured five others. The crash occurred in the early hours of Wednesday local time. The minibus was transporting patients and their relatives to health appointments. The lorry driver was among those killed. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
The highway was closed for nearly seven hours while forensic experts and federal highway police examined the site. Road traffic accidents remain a significant issue in Brazil, with over 34,000 fatalities reported in 2023, according to the World Bank. Common factors include excessive speed, inebriated drivers, and mobile phone use while driving.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the persistent risk of deadly road accidents in Brazil, a major public safety concern.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
The outcome of the ongoing investigation into the crash's cause may provide insights into broader road safety challenges.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.