President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed solidarity with the families of the victims of the accident involving a bus that transported residents from Serra da Barriga, in União dos Palmares (AL), to the Quilombo dos Palmares Memorial Park. The vehicle overturned on Sunday afternoon (24) and fell into a cliff, leaving 17 dead and 29 injured – including children and teenagers.
“The federal government is monitoring the situation and will provide all the necessary support to the state authorities in providing assistance, assistance and support to the victims,” said Lula on the social network X.
The Minister of Racial Equality, Anielle Franco, also lamented the accident. “Very impacted by the news”, she wrote on her profile on X. “I want to offer my total solidarity to the victims and their families. We are monitoring the situation and trusting in the work of the rescue teams with support from União dos Palmares units and support from the Government of the State of Alagoas”.
“In such an important month for the entire country, for Black Consciousness, especially for the Quilombo dos Palmares region, this tragedy saddens us even more deeply”, he added. The Tendências & Soluções event, which was scheduled to take place this Monday (25) in Maceió, in which Anielle would participate, was canceled due to the accident.
Other repercussions
In a statement, the Anajô Center for Culture and Ethnic Studies, an entity linked to the Associação Cultural Agentes de Pastoral Negros do Brasil expressed solidarity with the family and friends of the accident victims.
“We are even more sorry that this tragedy marks Black Awareness Month with extreme sadness and pain, in a territory of such historical importance. All our solidarity and best wishes for strength and peace to the families and friends of the victims, authorities and the population of União dos Palmares.”
The Ministry of Culture and the Palmares Cultural Foundation also lamented the accident. “We express our solidarity with the victims and their families, recognizing the commitment of local authorities, such as the city hall of União dos Palmares, Samu, the Fire Department and the state government, which are acting promptly to help and support those involved.”
“Serra da Barriga, a symbol of resistance and struggle, remains a space of collective memory and spirituality. In this moment of pain, we reinforce our admiration and support for the communities that preserve this legacy, trusting in the joint effort of local institutions to face this difficult time.”
In a note of condolence, the president of the National Congress, senator Rodrigo Pacheco (PSD-MG), said he received the news of the deaths in Serra da Barriga with sadness. “My condolences to the families of the victims at this time of deep pain. I extend my solidarity to the rescue agencies committed to helping those injured in this tragic episode. May they provide the rapid assistance that the case requires.”
