A devastating head-on collision between a passenger van and a heavy-haul truck near Grão Mogol, in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil, left nine people dead, including a child. The accident occurred on the evening of May 13, 2025, near kilometer 446 of BR-251, close to the rural community of Barrocão.
The van was reportedly carrying 17 people, many of them workers traveling a long distance. According to the initial account, nine occupants died, while eight others survived with injuries. The truck’s driver and passenger also received medical attention for minor injuries. The severe damage to both vehicles made the rescue operation especially challenging.
Firefighters, medical teams, highway police, and forensic specialists responded to the scene. Several passengers were trapped inside the wreckage, requiring rescue workers to use specialized equipment to reach them. BR-251 was temporarily closed in both directions while emergency crews carried out rescue and recovery operations.
Authorities began investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision, examining vehicle damage, road conditions, and other evidence. Although the initial account mentioned possible factors such as rain and visibility, the exact cause had not been established. The tragedy has renewed concerns about highway safety and the risks faced by people traveling long distances across Brazil.