A devastating head-on collision on Tuesday night (13) on BR-251 in Grão Mogol, Minas Gerais, claimed nine lives and injured 12 others. A van carrying 19 seasonal workers returning to Ceará collided with a truck that reportedly crossed into the opposite lane, according to early investigations by Minas Gerais Civil Police.

Experts found tire marks and road evidence indicating the truck invaded the wrong side of the highway, causing the fatal crash. Weather conditions at the time—moderate rain and wet roads—may have contributed, alongside possible fog and speeding. The stretch of highway is known for frequent accidents, especially in adverse weather.

Among the victims, ages ranged from a 4-year-old boy to a 52-year-old man, hailing from several Northeastern states. Identification efforts involved facial recognition and fingerprint analysis, with one victim still unidentified.

The van, transporting seasonal workers who had finished harvesting in Goiás and Minas Gerais, was operating without authorization for interstate passenger transport—a common but illegal practice in rural worker transit.

The truck belonged to OPR Logística, which expressed sorrow over the tragedy and affirmed its commitment to safety while cooperating with authorities. Details about the driver or vehicle condition have yet to be disclosed.

An official expert report is expected within 30 days to clarify the accident’s cause and assign legal responsibility. The investigation continues amid renewed concerns about Brazil’s road safety, illegal passenger transport, and vehicle inspections on federal highways.