Two Brazilian women die after a bus overturns in the Atacama Desert, in Chile; one of the victims is a teacher from RS | Rio Grande do Sul

Two Brazilian women died after a bus overturned in the Atacama Desert, in Chile, on Thursday night (25), according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In all, 33 Brazilians were injuredbeing three in serious condition.

One of the victims was identified as Elenice Terezinha Mezzomo Black, 54 years old. She was from David Canabarro, in the North of Rio Grande do Sul, and worked as a teacher (see details below).

The accident occurred in the city that connects Paso Jama, on the Chilean border with Argentina, to San Pedro do Atacama. The bus, which had left Lajeado, was carrying 42 people. Chilean authorities are investigating the case.

“The Brazilian government conveys its sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims, and wishes the injured a full recovery. Brazil also thanks the collaboration of the competent Chilean authorities”, says Itamaraty, in a note.

The Consulate General in Santiago continues to monitor the situation and provides assistance to Brazilians.

The teacher was traveling with her husband, who suffered minor injuries. According to one of her sons, Pedro Augusto Mezzomo Preto, the couple was part of a tourist excursion that left Lajeado, in the Taquari Valley, heading to the Chilean region of Atacama on Tuesday (23).

“That morning, they called me that something had happened to the bus. My father informed me that my mother had passed away and the bus had suffered an accident. But we don’t know what happened in detail,” said Pedro.

Elenice’s family is in contact with the Brazilian Embassy in Chile through a lawyer to transfer the body. However, the release has not yet been authorized.

“The information I received from the Embassy is that 40 people were injured and were taken to three different hospitals in the region. There are reports of two fatalities, but I can only confirm Elenice’s death,” said lawyer Paula Mezzomo.

The bus left Lajeado with 42 passengers — 39 tourists, a guide and two drivers. The excursionists had already passed through Salta and Jujuy, in Argentina, and were continuing their journey to São Pedro do Atacama, in Chile, where they would stay for two nights and then return to Rio Grande do Sul. Arrival in Lajeado was scheduled for Monday. fair (29).

The trip was carried out by the company Vip Turismo, from Lajeado, on a bus chartered by DH Transportes, from Santa Maria. Diego Souto, owner of DH Transportes, informed RBSTV that the victims were taken to hospitals in São Pedro do Atacama and Calama. The company says it is in contact with local authorities and passengers’ families.

“We don’t know the circumstances of the accident, whether the driver lost control or whether an animal crossed the road. At the moment, our concern is to activate the insurance and ensure that everyone there is safe,” said the businessman.

According to Souto, at least 15 people have already been discharged from hospital and are staying in a hotel. So far, there is no information about the severity of the injuries of the people who remain hospitalized.

Brazil’s diplomatic corps in Chile is investigating the case and assisting family members of those possibly involved in the accident.