Minute of Terror on Raposo Tavares Highway
Commuters on a packed bus in São Paulo experienced a heart-stopping ordeal yesterday morning when their vehicle suffered a catastrophic brake failure, leading to a near-minute-long ride of terror. The out-of-control bus smashed into more than a dozen motorbikes and cars on the busy Raposo Tavares Highway, with passengers' screams of fear audible throughout the chaotic scene.
A Desperate Driver's Fight for Control
The incident occurred around 7:30 am local time on a slip road in the western part of the Brazilian city. Despite the driver's desperate attempts to avoid collisions, the bus struck 15 other vehicles, including motorcycles and cars. On-board footage captured the moment the bus first veered off course, hitting a roadside barrier under a bridge where traffic had come to a halt.
Passengers were seen grabbing handles to stay upright, with others cupping their hands over their mouths in horror as they realised another impact was imminent. The screaming intensified as the driver careered into another barrier in a frantic attempt to get off the busy slip road.
Miraculous Escape and Ongoing Investigation
In a remarkable turn of events, no fatalities were reported, although 12 people were injured, two of them seriously. The nightmare finally ended when the driver managed to bring the bus to a stop by crashing it into the door of a gated residential apartment complex.
Motorway operator Ecovias Raposo Castello confirmed in a statement that the bus had suffered brake failure. São Paulo’s Public Security Ministry has launched a full investigation into the incident. The accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vehicle maintenance and road safety protocols.
