Tragic Accident in Brazil Claims 17 Lives: Road Safety Concerns Raised

A bus crash in northeastern Brazil killed at least 17 people Friday when the driver lost control of the vehicle carrying 30 passengers, according to Brazilian police.

The accident happened in Pernambuco state when the bus driver went into the wrong lane and hit rocks on the roadside before crashing into a sand barrier. The impact caused the bus to flip over, state traffic police said in a statement Saturday.

Police haven't confirmed how many people were injured in the crash. The bus was carrying 30 passengers total when the driver lost control.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva offered his condolences on X, saying "To the families of the victims and their friends, I offer my deepest condolences and solidarity in this painful time."

Bus accidents are common in Brazil, where long-distance travel by bus is popular but road conditions and safety standards vary widely across the country. Pernambuco, located in Brazil's northeast region, has seen several serious traffic accidents in recent years involving passenger buses on highways connecting major cities.