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Early Wednesday morning in Paraná, Brazil, a tragic head-on collision between a minibus and an empty truck claimed the lives of at least 23 individuals and left five others injured. The minibus, operated by the Health Department of Imbituva, was transporting 27 passengers-primarily patients of Brazil’s public healthcare system along with their companions-heading to Curitiba for medical appointments and specialized treatments.
The truck, a heavy vehicle traveling without cargo, crossed into the opposite lane on a two-lane highway, colliding directly with the minibus. The truck driver died at the scene. Authorities described this crash as the deadliest highway accident in Paraná since January 2021.
Preliminary investigations by Brazil’s Federal Highway Police (PRF) suggest the truck veered into the oncoming lane, but the exact cause remains under review. Forensic teams are examining the vehicle and crash site to determine whether driver fatigue, a medical emergency, or mechanical failure contributed to the incident.
Among the 23 victims were 13 women, eight men, and two children, in addition to the truck driver. Emergency responders managed to rescue five survivors-three men, one woman, and a nine-year-old boy-who were transported to hospitals in nearby Ponta Grossa.
Three of the survivors remain in serious condition. Authorities continue to investigate this devastating accident.