Barcarena bus crash leaves dozens unharmed after plunge into Rio São Francisco

On the evening of 15 July 2026, a passenger bus operated by the Linha Azul company lost its brakes and drove off the ramp at Porto São Francisco, Barcarena, Pará, Brazil, falling into the Rio São Francisco. The vehicle quickly became submerged, prompting panic among passengers, many of whom escaped through windows and doors and swam to the riverbank.

Rescue teams from the Corpo de Bombeiros, the Navy, civil defence, the municipal health department and other agencies were deployed. Divers inspected the wreck and found no bodies; eight people were taken to a local urgent‑care unit for treatment, seven of whom were released after evaluation. The governor of Pará, Hana Ghassan, pledged state support and an investigation into the suspected brake failure.

The submerged micro‑bus was recovered on the night of 16 July 2026 after a coordinated lifting operation. Authorities continue to assess the cause of the accident and monitor the health of the passengers.