In a tragic incident early on Monday, six people died when a bus transporting rural workers crashed on the Transbrasiliana Highway (BR-153) in São Paulo. The bus was en route from Maranhão to Santa Catarina, where the victims were slated to work in apple harvesting. Initial reports from the Federal Highway Police (PRF) state that around 45 other passengers were injured and taken to local hospitals, including Santa Casa, Hospital das Clínicas, and the Marília Emergency Care Unit.

The accident occurred around 1:30 AM when the rear left tire of the bus burst, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle, which then veered off the road and overturned. The damage was severe, with the bus being completely destroyed and personal belongings of the victims strewn across the highway. Emergency services, including firefighters and SAMU (Mobile Emergency Care Service), were promptly dispatched to the scene to assist the victims.

This incident highlights the dangers faced by rural workers who often travel long distances for seasonal work. The incident will likely prompt discussions regarding road safety, vehicle maintenance, and the conditions under which rural workers travel, pointing to a need for better protection and awareness for these vulnerable populations.