Twelve University Students Killed in Brazil Bus Collision: Officials

BRASÍLIA, Feb 21, 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Twelve university students lost their lives and 21 others were injured in a tragic collision between a bus and a truck in Brazil’s southeastern state of São Paulo, officials confirmed on Friday.

State Governor Tarcisio Freitas shared the tragic news on X, expressing his sorrow over the devastating accident that claimed the lives of the students.

According to the São Paulo civil defense authorities, the crash occurred late Thursday, and 21 injured individuals were transported to the hospital. Most were discharged, but one victim sustained “cranial trauma” and three others remain hospitalized in stable condition.

Freitas explained that the students were returning from the private University of Franca when the accident took place, noting, “They saw their dreams cut short.”

A statement from the state government revealed that the truck driver has been charged with fleeing the scene, negligent homicide, and negligent bodily harm.

In a similarly tragic event, 41 people lost their lives in a bus crash in Minas Gerais in December 2024, marking the deadliest bus accident on Brazil’s federal highways since 2007.