At least 17 people died after a bus fell into a ravine in Brazil's Alagoas state on Sunday.
The mishap left 20 others injured.
According to the fire department, the bus carrying 40 passengers lost control and plunged into the ravine in the mountains area of Uniao dos Palmares municipality, reported Xinhua news agency.
The state government has announced three days of mourning.
The cause of the investigation is currently ongoing.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva promised assistance to the victims.
Meus sentimentos a todos os familiares das vítimas envolvidas no acidente. O governo federal está acompanhando a situação e dará todo o apoio necessário às autoridades estaduais no socorro, atendimento e amparo às vítimas. https://t.co/s0TIKFY1vZ
— Lula (@LulaOficial) November 24, 2024
"My condolences to all the families of the victims involved in the accident. The federal government is monitoring the situation and will provide all necessary support to state authorities in providing assistance, care and support to the victims," the President wrote on X.
Muito impactada com a notícia do trágico acidente de ônibus ocorrido nesta tarde na subida da Serra da Barriga, em União dos Palmares (AL).
— Anielle Franco (@aniellefranco) November 24, 2024
Quero prestar minha total solidariedade às vítimas e seus familiares. Estamos acompanhando a situação e confiando no trabalho das equipes…
Brazil's racial equality minister Anielle Franco said she was deeply impacted by the tragic bus accident.
"Deeply impacted by the news of the tragic bus accident that occurred this afternoon on the way up Serra da Barriga, in União dos Palmares (AL)," the minister wrote on X.
"I would like to express my full solidarity with the victims and their families. We are monitoring the situation and trusting in the work of the rescue teams with the support of the União dos Palmares units and the support of the Government of the State of Alagoas," she said.
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