Three Paraguayan women from the same family died in a tragic accident involving a bus from the company La Guaireña in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. The vehicle, which was carrying 67 passengers, was returning to Paraguay after the Bethania Dance Academy, from Colonia Independencia in the Guairá department, participated in an international dance competition in Gramado.
The deceased victims were identified as Nelly Peralta de Rojas, Blanca Chamorro Resquín, and her 8-year-old daughter Guadalupe Garcete Resquín, members of the artistic delegation. Several other passengers were injured, some seriously, and were treated in hospitals in the cities of Maravilha, Santa Teresita, and São Miguel da Boa Vista.
The accident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday on highway SC-492, between Maravilha and São Miguel da Boa Vista. Witnesses reported that the bus overturned violently after the driver lost control. The academy's president, Liz, who was on the vehicle, stated that the driver mentioned a possible mechanical failure with the brakes.
Paraguay's Ministry of Education and Sciences issued a statement expressing its deep sorrow and solidarity with the families of the victims and the entire community of Colonia Independencia. The institution highlighted that the delegation had won the Best Academy of the Event award at the international competition.
The district of Independencia declared three days of official mourning, with flags flown at half-mast. Senator Esperanza Martínez called on the Paraguayan government to make all necessary resources available to assist the victims and ensure the return of the injured to the country.