A tragic collision between a passenger bus and a truck early Saturday claimed the lives of 22 people on a highway in Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, authorities reported.

Emergency services from the Minas Gerais fire department responded to the scene and confirmed that 13 other individuals were injured and transported to hospitals near Teofilo Otoni. The bus, which had departed from Sao Paulo, was carrying 45 passengers at the time of the accident.

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Officials stated that a blown tire caused the bus driver to lose control, leading to the collision with the truck. A separate car carrying three passengers was also involved in the crash, but all its occupants survived, the fire department added.

Rescue operations are still underway at the site, with efforts to retrieve additional victims, said Lt. Alonso of the fire department.

Governor Romeu Zema announced via X that he had instructed the Minas Gerais government to fully mobilize resources to support the victims and their families.

“We are committed to helping families cope with this devastating tragedy, particularly as it occurs so close to Christmas,” Zema said.

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According to Brazil's Ministry of Transportation, more than 10,000 people have died in road accidents across the country in 2024.

Earlier this year, in September, another deadly accident occurred when a bus carrying the Coritiba Crocodiles football team overturned, resulting in three deaths. The team, based in Curitiba, was en route to Rio de Janeiro for the national American football championship, which was canceled following the tragedy.