33 dead in truck-bus crash in Brazil

SAO PAULO – At least 33 people were killed and 13 others were injured when a tractor-trailor slammed into a bus carrying sugarcane cutters, Brazilian authorities said.

Workers check the rubble of a bus after an accident in Milagres, Brazil's Bahia state, Saturday (December 3, 2011). Brazilian authorities said a tractor-trailer slammed into the bus carrying sugarcane cutters, killing at least 33 people and injuring 13 after the truck driver lost control as he was rounding a corner and heading down a hill early Saturday. AP PHOTO

A police spokesman said the truck driver lost control as he was rounding a corner and heading down a hill early Saturday near a town called Miracles in the northeastern state of Bahia. The truck was carrying a load of construction materials, which also slammed into the bus.

The driver of the truck survived and is in a local hospital. Some of the others injured are in grave condition.

The police official spoke on condition of anonymity, saying he was not authorized to provide details.

He said an investigation is ongoing.