Six die after boat collides with pier on the border of SP and MG
A boat accident on the Grande River between São Paulo and Minas Gerais resulted in six fatalities, including a five-year-old child, while nine others survived.
On Saturday night, an unfortunate boat accident took place on the Grande River, which forms the border between São Paulo and Minas Gerais in Brazil, resulting in the tragic deaths of six individuals. Among the deceased was a five-year-old child, highlighting the severe nature of this incident. Reports indicate that a total of fifteen passengers were on board the vessel, which collided violently with a pier around 11 PM. Local residents, alongside firefighters and municipal guards, were mobilized immediately to assist with rescue efforts, saving nine individuals who survived the collision, albeit some sustaining minor injuries.
The rescue operations were conducted swiftly, as reports emerged from the regional areas between Rifaina in São Paulo and Sacramento in Minas Gerais. The survivors were promptly transported to nearby healthcare facilities for medical attention. The local emergency services received praise for their rapid response in what could have been an even more catastrophic situation, considering the number of passengers aboard at the time of the incident. The presence of a child among the deceased raises broader concerns about safety regulations on such recreational activities on water.
Investigation into the collision has been handed over to the Civil Police of Minas Gerais and the Brazilian Navy, the latter being responsible for nautical accident investigations. Authorities are set to analyze various factors related to the incident, such as the boat's condition, its speed at the time of impact, and the adequacy of warning signals at the collision site. Furthermore, inquiries will also focus on the qualifications of the boat's driver to ascertain whether they were appropriately licensed to operate the vessel.