Deadly bus and truck collision in southern Brazil

On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, a head-on collision between a bus and a truck occurred on the BR-373 highway in the state of Parana, Brazil. The accident took place near the city of Imbituva, approximately 180 kilometers west of the state capital, Curitiba. While initial reports indicated 21 deaths, later information suggested the toll may have reached 23 fatalities, including the truck driver. Four other individuals sustained injuries and were provided with medical assistance.

The bus involved belonged to the Imbituva municipal health department and was reportedly transporting patients to medical facilities in Curitiba. Local media footage identified the vehicle as a bus equipped for the transport of individuals with disabilities. According to police reports, the accident was triggered when the truck entered the opposing lane of traffic, leading to the head-on impact. Following the crash, the highway was completely blocked for an indefinite period as authorities worked to clear the site.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding road safety in Brazil, where reliance on road transport is high due to limited rail infrastructure. Local authorities and the road concessionaire, Via Araucaria, have confirmed the sequence of events, though municipal officials were initially unavailable to provide further comments on the tragedy.