A tragic accident occurred in northeastern Brazil when a passenger bus collided with a sand embankment and toppled onto its side, claiming the lives of 15 individuals, according to local officials on Saturday.

The bus was transporting around 30 passengers at the time of the incident, police reported.

Originating from Bahia, the bus met its fate in Saloá, a city situated in the neighboring state of Pernambuco.

Authorities explained that the driver lost control, veered into the oncoming lane, and struck roadside rocks.

In an attempt to correct course, the driver returned to the proper lane but ultimately crashed into a sand embankment, leading to the bus overturning.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

The driver suffered minor injuries and tested negative for alcohol, police said.

Bahia Governor Jerônimo Teixeira said on X that his administration was supporting rescue efforts and the identification of victims.

“I am following the situation with my team and deeply mourn the loss of lives, the injuries and the suffering of all the families,” he wrote.

More than 10,000 people died in traffic accidents in Brazil in 2024, according to the Ministry of Transportation.

In April, 11 people died, including two children, after a passenger bus flipped on its side in southeastern Brazil.

In February, a bus carrying university students and a truck collided on a highway in Sao Paulo state, killing 12 passengers.

Last September, a bus carrying the Coritiba Crocodiles football team flipped on a road, killing three people.

The team has since drawn inspiration from the NFL to rebuild.