A severe bus accident on the MGC-367 highway in Diamantina left one person dead and dozens injured on Saturday night. The vehicle, carrying rural workers, overturned in a region known as Serra do Gombô.
Details of the Collision
The accident occurred at kilometer 570 of the highway. According to reports from the victims, the bus was traveling from Unaí, in the north of Minas Gerais, returning to Itamarandiba in the Vale do Jequitinhonha.
The municipal government stated that the passengers were young adults over the age of 18. Upon arrival, emergency responders found the vehicle overturned on the roadside with victims both inside and outside the bus.
Casualties and Emergency Response
The Military Fire Department of Minas Gerais (CBMMG) reported a total of 40 victims. One person died at the scene after being found trapped under the structure of the bus without vital signs; this individual has not yet been identified.
Among the survivors, 14 people suffered serious or moderate injuries, while 25 sustained light injuries. The CBMMG implemented the Operation Command System (SCO) to stabilize the vehicle and coordinate the transport of victims, who were initially taken to the Pronto Atendimento Santa Isabel in Diamantina.
Blood Donation Appeal and Investigation
In response to the crisis, the Diamantina City Hall announced that the regional blood collection center would open exceptionally this Sunday, May 10. The facility, located in the center of Diamantina, is operating from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM to support the victims.
City officials confirmed that while injured passengers are being treated at local health facilities, general medical services for the rest of the population continue to operate normally.
The MG-367 highway was completely closed during the rescue and vehicle removal operations but has since been reopened. The Civil Police have been called in and are currently investigating the causes and circumstances of the crash.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many people were affected by the accident? There were 40 victims in total, including one fatality, 14 people with serious or moderate injuries, and 25 with light injuries.
- Who was traveling on the bus? The passengers were rural workers, specifically young adults over 18 years old.
- When and where can people donate blood for the victims? The regional blood collection center in the center of Diamantina is open exceptionally on Sunday, May 10, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
What measures could be taken to improve the safety of rural worker transport on regional highways?
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