Passengers Scream in Terror as Out-of-Control Bus Hits Several Vehicles, Injuring at Least 13, After ‘Braking System Failure’

At least 13 people were injured in São Paulo after an inter-city bus with an apparent “braking system failure” crashed into multiple vehicles, authorities said.

The incident happened on Monday, Nov. 17, when the bus reportedly lost control for nearly a minute after its brakes stopped working. Traveling at around 10 mph, the vehicle struck about 15 cars and two motorcycles, according to CNN Brasil.

Brazilian outlet G1 reported that the crash occurred on a road adjacent to the Raposo Tavares Highway at around 7:30 a.m. local time, citing information from the highway management company, Ecovias Raposo Castello.

Video footage shared by G1 and local outlet Osascomunica shows the bus first hitting the curb, then mounting the sidewalk and colliding with several vehicles as passengers scream in fear. The bus finally came to a stop after crashing into the gate of a nearby condominium, and panicked passengers were later seen exiting the vehicle, CNN Brasil reported.

Two of the injured were in serious condition, two had moderate injuries and eight sustained minor injuries, G1 reported. Ecovias Raposo Castello attributed the crash to a “braking system failure.”

Assistance was provided at the scene by Ecovias Raposo Castello, while the Fire Department and SAMU (Mobile Emergency Care Service) also responded and transported the injured to local hospitals, according to the outlet.

The bus was reportedly crowded with rush-hour passengers, many of whom were standing in the aisle when the vehicle began to swerve. Video shared by G1 shows the driver gripping the steering wheel tightly as the bus appears to be out of control, only stopping when it hits the condominium gate near the highway.

The Civil Police have opened an investigation to determine the exact causes of the crash, CNN Brasil reported, adding that a technical examination was conducted on the bus.

Reporters contacted concessionaire Ecovias Raposo Castello, the Public Security Secretariat (SSP) and the Civil Police for additional information but did not immediately receive a response.