A bus returning from a religious festival in northeastern Brazil has veered off the road on a curve and overturned, killing at least 16 people, including four children, officials said.
The bus was carrying around 60 people when it overturned in the rural interior of Alagoas state on Tuesday, "extricating" some passengers while others were trapped under the rubble.
The regional government of Alagoas said in a statement that seven women, five men and four children were among those killed.
The accident remains under investigation and was described as "very complex."
Brazilian media reported that the bus was returning from celebrations at a religious festival in the state of Ceara that attracts thousands of worshippers every February 2.
"The bus went off the road on a curve, overturned and several people were thrown out," said Colonel Andre Madeiro, director of the Alagoas Aviation Department, who participated in the rescue operation.
"Some were trapped under the vehicle. It was a very bad accident, even atypical," he said at a press conference.
The survivors of the crash, including a seriously injured child, were taken to hospital, where they remain under medical care.
Deadly road accidents are common in Brazil.
More than 10,000 people died in traffic accidents in Brazil in 2024, according to the Ministry of Transport. /Telegraph/
