A chartered bus carrying the Coritiba Crocodiles Oficial American football team, from the city of Curitiba, in Paraná, overturned this morning (21) on the Presidente Dutra highway, downhill from Serra das Araras, in the municipality of Piraí, south of Rio de Janeiro, when it was heading to Rio.
When it turned over and ended up on its side on the track, three athletes from the team died and another six were injured, five with minor injuries and five with moderate injuries. According to the Federal Highway Police (PRF), the accident happened around 10 am, and the bus was carrying 43 passengers.
In a post on the team’s Instagram profile, the following message was posted: “In light of this tragedy, our efforts are focused on supporting the team members and their loved ones. Our hearts are in mourning, and we ask everyone to send their prayers and positive energy.”
The Coritiba Crocodiles team was traveling to Rio de Janeiro, where they would face Flamengo Imperadores this Saturday afternoon in the Brazilian American football championship, at Sport Clube Anchieta, in the north of the city.
Note from the tourism company
Princesa dos Campos informs that, unfortunately, on the morning of this Saturday, a bus from the charter company was involved in an accident.
The incident took place on the Presidente Dutra Highway at the end of Serra das Araras, km 225, on Via Dutra, in the town of Piraí, close to the municipality of Nova Iguaçu, in Baixada Fluminense.
Information indicates three deaths and the injured were taken to Hospital da Posse, in Nova Iguaçu.
The company is providing all assistance to the victims and directing the remaining passengers who were not injured to hotels in the region.
“The causes of the accident are being investigated, with the hiring of an expert specializing in incidents of this nature.”
