Bus fire on BR-364 highway causes traffic disruption in Cuiabá

A bus caught fire on Wednesday afternoon at kilometer 385 of the BR-364 highway in the urban area of Cuiabá, Brazil. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was caused by a mechanical failure in the vehicle's braking system.

The driver managed to pull the vehicle onto the shoulder before the flames consumed the cabin. The driver and a single passenger were able to disembark safely and did not sustain injuries, subsequently refusing medical assistance.

The incident caused significant traffic disruptions, as thick black smoke severely reduced visibility for other motorists. Authorities from the concessionaire Nova Rota do Oeste blocked all southbound traffic toward Rondonópolis to ensure safety. This led to long queues of trucks, semi-trailers, and passenger cars.

Emergency response efforts involved the Mato Grosso Military Fire Department and a water truck from Nova Rota do Oeste. The highway was fully reopened around 5:30 p.m. after the fire was extinguished, the vehicle was removed, and the roadway was cleaned.