A 23-year-old student, Juliana Gomes Baptista, was injured when she fell from a bus in the Cidade de Deus neighborhood due to a malfunction with the door designated for wheelchair users. Witnesses report that as the bus took a curve, the door unexpectedly opened, and Juliana was thrown from her seat onto the street. After the incident, she was transported to a local hospital where she received treatment for her injuries, which included seven stitches to her head.

According to Juliana, she was seated in a companion seat next to the wheelchair area because the bus was crowded. She mentioned that she was on her way to an internship in Tijuca when the accident occurred early on a Tuesday morning. Following her release from the hospital, she is now recovering at home but is still dealing with the physical pain and emotional trauma from the frightening experience.

This incident highlights concerns about passenger safety on public transportation in Rio de Janeiro, especially regarding the equipment designated for accommodating individuals with disabilities. As public scrutiny increases over the safety standards of buses in the city, this case may prompt further investigations into the protocols that govern the operation of accessible public transit vehicles.