President Lula Expresses Sadness After Bus Accident Kills 17 in Pernambuco, Brazil

Tragic Bus Accident Claims 17 Lives in Pernambuco

A devastating bus accident occurred late on Friday, October 17, 2025, on the BR-423 highway in the Agreste region of Pernambuco, Brazil, leading to the deaths of 17 people. The incident, which involved a tourist bus, also left at least 17 others injured, some of whom were hospitalized. The bus was reportedly carrying between 30 and 40 passengers at the time of the crash.

President Lula Offers Condolences

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his deep sorrow and solidarity with the victims and their families. In a statement shared on social media platform X, President Lula said, 'With much sadness, I learned of the serious accident involving a tourist bus on BR-423, in the Agreste of Pernambuco, which took the lives of at least 17 people and left others injured.' He added, 'To the families and friends of the victims, I express my most sincere condolences and solidarity in this moment of such pain.'

Details of the Crash and Ongoing Investigation

The accident took place on the stretch of highway connecting the municipalities of Paranatama and Saloá. According to reports from the Federal Highway Police (PRF), the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer into the wrong lane and strike rocks on the roadside. The bus then returned to the correct lane before colliding with a sandbank and overturning.

The bus was traveling from Brumado in Bahia state to Santa Cruz do Capibaribe in Pernambuco. The driver sustained only minor injuries and tested negative for alcohol. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Civil Police. Authorities have also indicated that there are signs some passengers may not have been wearing seatbelts, potentially contributing to the severity of the casualties.

Official Reactions and Rescue Efforts

Beyond President Lula, other officials have also reacted to the tragedy. Bahia Governor Jerônimo Teixeira and Pernambuco Governor Raquel Lyra both conveyed their condolences and affirmed their administrations' support for rescue efforts and victim identification. Emergency teams were deployed to the scene to assist the injured and manage the aftermath of the accident.