Tragic Head-On Crash in Southern Brazil Leaves at Least 23 Dead and Five Injured

A devastating head-on collision between a bus and a truck in southern Brazil has resulted in at least 23 deaths and left five others injured, local authorities reported.

The fatal accident took place during the early hours of Wednesday on the BR-373 highway in the state of Parana, situated near the city of Ipiranga, according to information provided by the Federal Highway Police.

In the wake of the tragedy, Parana Governor Ratinho Junior proclaimed three days of official state mourning. "It’s a very sad day for Parana," stated Junior.

The majority of the victims were passengers on the bus, which was operated by the municipal health department of Imbituva and carrying patients along with healthcare workers. The truck driver also lost their life in the crash.

Authorities confirmed that the bus was transporting patients and their companions toward hospitals located in and around Parana’s capital, Curitiba, situated approximately 180 kilometres (110 miles) away.

Initial evidence gathered by officials indicates that the truck drifted into the oncoming lane prior to the impact with the bus. Investigators are actively working to establish the exact cause behind the truck veering across the highway.

Broadcast footage from TV Globo displayed the truck resting on the grassy roadside alongside the heavily crushed minibus, with shattered glass and passenger belongings scattered across the ground.

Local media reports indicated that the five survivors of the accident were transported to hospitals situated in the nearby city of Ponta Grossa.

Following the collision, the highway was completely closed in both directions. Road operator Via Araucaria stated on the social media platform X that there was "no estimated time" set for reopening the route.

Additionally, local municipalities have been assisting the families of those aboard the bus by providing psychological support services to relatives. The identities of the deceased individuals had not been publicly released at the time of publication.