During the recent Carnival celebrations in Brazil, federal highways experienced a concerning number of traffic accidents, with at least 1,095 reported incidents between February 13 and February 17, according to preliminary data released by the Federal Highway Police (PRF). While the exact number of fatalities has not yet been disclosed, reports indicate that 1,195 individuals sustained injuries during this festive period. These figures are nationwide and may be updated as further details come in, particularly as the data is not yet segregated by state.

One of the most tragic incidents occurred when a bus travelling from Maranhão to Santa Catarina overturned, resulting in six fatalities and injuring 46 others on the night of February 16 in São Paulo's interior. This accident, registered at kilometer 266 on the Transbrasiliana highway (BR-153), occurred around 1:30 AM and was found not to involve other vehicles. Preliminary investigations by PRF suggest that the bus's rear axle tire suffered a failure, leading to the accident. The National Land Transport Agency (ANTT) noted that the vehicle was not authorized for the route it was taking, raising concerns about regulatory compliance and safety standards.

The high accident rate during such a peak travel period reflects broader issues related to roadway safety, driver behavior, and vehicle conditions in Brazil. With the Carnival being a time when many travel for festivities, the government and related agencies are likely to face pressure to enhance safety measures and ensure that transport regulations are strictly enforced to prevent further tragedies in the future.