Seven members of a youth basketball team died in a bus accident in Brazil early Monday, just hours after winning an under-19 tournament. The bus was returning from Sobral to Juazeiro do Norte when it overturned in the municipality of Taua, emergency services confirmed.
Investigators suspect the driver fell asleep at the wheel, causing the tragic crash.
The victims included four players from the U19 championship team, two from the U15 side, and one staff member. The deceased were identified as Marcos Miguel da Silva (22), Henrique Ferreira Bezerra (17), João Paulo Sampaio de Alencar (18), Luiz José de Morais Neto (18), Cauã Rodrigues Fratta (16), Jonatas Samuel do Santos Lopes (15), and Matheus Henrique Ferreira Martins (15).
Emergency responders arrived just before 3:30 am and spent nearly five hours recovering those involved in the accident. At least 40 others, including players and coaching staff, sustained injuries in the crash.
Officials reported that passengers were not wearing seatbelts, which led to individuals being thrown from the bus and struck by it as it rolled over.
Firefighters stated that the driver admitted to falling asleep at the wheel. However, his official police statement claimed he lost control while trying to avoid an animal on the road. Police continue to investigate the exact cause of the accident.
Ceara governor Elmano de Freitas expressed deep condolences on social media, highlighting the loss of these young athletes. Juazeiro do Norte city hall declared official mourning, and local schools cancelled classes to support grieving families and communities.
Basquete Quixere, a local basketball team, paid tribute to the victims, saying, “We deeply regret the loss so early on in the lives of seven young athletes who left their homes in search of a dream and were returning having achieved it.” They offered prayers for the families during this painful time.
Originally published by UKNIP.
