A minibus operated by the city of Santa Bárbara d'Oeste, São Paulo, caught fire early on Sunday morning, completely destroying the vehicle. The incident occurred while the minibus was transporting 17 karate athletes who were heading to a competition at Parque do Ibirapuera in São Paulo. Police reported that the driver managed to safely pull over and evacuate the passengers before the fire engulfed the vehicle.

Dramatic footage of the incident depicts the minibus consumed by flames and releasing a significant amount of smoke, leading to the temporary closure of multiple lanes on the Bandeirantes highway. Emergency teams from Autoban and firefighters worked on the scene to manage the situation. Fortunately, all passengers, including two coaches, evacuated without injuries and did not require medical attention, showcasing the driver's quick response in a potentially dangerous situation.

The incident has drawn attention to the safety measures in place for such transportation, especially as it involved young athletes preparing for a significant competition. While no injuries were reported, the event raises questions about vehicle maintenance and safety procedures in municipal transport, ensuring that future incidents can be avoided and that athletes can travel safely to events.