Three killed in BR-412 truck crash in Cariri, Brazil

On 15 March, a truck loaded with ore overturned onto several passenger cars on the BR‑412 highway between São João do Cariri and Boa Vista, near Cabaceiras in the Cariri region of Paraíba, Brazil. The collision killed three people – Alba Simões, pastor Gean Santos and teenager Ruth Gomes – all members of the Verbo da Vida evangelical denomination who were traveling to a church conference in Campina Grande. Six other occupants, three men and three women aged 35‑55, were injured; two have since been discharged while the others remain under medical care.

Witnesses, including pastor Sérgio Brito, said the truck lost control and slid into the stopped vehicles, crushing them. The Federal Highway Police (PRF) opened an investigation into the cause of the crash. The victims were identified as part of a convoy that had departed from Petrolina, Pernambuco, heading to the religious events in Campina Grande.