Tragic Collision Claims Nine Lives in Southern Brazil

Nine people died in a tragic accident when a van collided with a truck in southern Brazil. Seven of the victims were teenage rowers from Pelotas returning from a competition. Only one van occupant survived, while the truck driver sustained minor injuries. President Lula expressed his condolences.

Nine people tragically lost their lives when a van carrying them collided with a truck in southern Brazil, late Sunday.

The victims included seven teenage rowers from Pelotas, who were returning from a competition in Sao Paulo, authorities confirmed. The accident occurred in Guaratuba, Parana state, the police reported.

Brazil's federal highway police explained that the truck failed to brake, hitting the van from the rear, resulting in the van being propelled forward and crashing into another vehicle.

Trapped in the tragic sequence, the van then spun, and the truck dragged it off the road, eventually overturning onto it, according to police.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took to social media to convey his sympathies, stating, "There are no words to describe the pain of losing a child or grandchild. The pain is irreparable."

(With inputs from agencies.)