The bus driver who was involved in a fatal accident that resulted in the deaths of 16 pilgrims in São José da Tapera, Alagoas, reported to police that he does not remember the moment he lost control of the vehicle. He claimed that he regained consciousness only a day after the accident while in the hospital. In addition to the fatalities, many other passengers sustained injuries as they were returning from a significant pilgrimage in Juazeiro do Norte, Ceará.

According to the police, the driver provided his account of the events, but the lack of memory regarding the critical moment of the overturn raises questions about the circumstances of the accident. Investigations are ongoing, led by Delegate Diego Nunes, who is digging deeper into the details surrounding the crash. There are also reports regarding the bus being involved in illegal transportation activities, adding another layer of complexity to the case.

As the community mourns the loss of life, a collective funeral for the victims has been organized. The tragic event occurred during the Romaria das Candeias, one of the largest pilgrimages in the Northeast region of Brazil, highlighting the cultural and religious significance of the journey for many participants, as well as the urgent concerns surrounding transportation safety in the area, especially for such throngs of travelers.