A serious accident between a bus and a trailer killed 11 people and left at least 11 other wounds this Friday morning (2), at km 491 of BR-116, in Pelotas, in the south of Rio Grande do Sul.
According to the Federal Highway Police (PRF), the accident occurred around 11:30 am, on a bridge that was operating on a single lane due to works — despite the section having a dual carriageway.
A truck was immobilized in the interior-capital direction, forming a queue. In an attempt to divert, the Scania trailer, loaded with tons of sand, entered the opposite lane and collided head-on with the bus on the Pelotas–São Lourenço do Sul line.
In a statement, the governor of Rio Grande do Sul, Eduardo Leite, stated that he is following the incident and has confirmed, to date, 11 deaths, highlighting the integrated action of the rescue teams and the support for the families of the victims.
I am following, with dismay, with great attention the serious accident that occurred on BR-116, in Pelotas.
From the first moments, the State Government has been in contact with the Federal Highway Police and working in an integrated manner with the rescue teams, providing full support…
— Eduardo Leite (@EduardoLeite_)
According to the City of São Lourenço do Sul, the bus had left Pelotas at 10:30 am, heading to São Lourenço do Sul. The driver of the truck was also rescued and underwent a breathalyzer test, without indicating the presence of alcohol.
In a statement, the city council stated that it is monitoring the situation and is mobilized, providing all necessary support for relief actions.
