Bus Driver Charged in Fatal BR-040 Crash Killing Four, Injuring 40

A bus driver involved in a fatal collision on BR-040 in Juiz de Fora, Brazil, has been formally charged with vehicular manslaughter and negligent bodily harm. The accident occurred on September 5, 2025, when the Viação Cometa intercity bus rear-ended a local Juiz de Fora public transport bus. The public bus had stopped to allow a passenger to disembark at a roadside stop in the Industrial District. The driver now faces charges for four counts of vehicular manslaughter and multiple counts of negligent bodily harm. The Public Defender's Office is representing the driver, who stated he could not afford legal counsel. Investigations, including analysis of internal bus camera footage, revealed the driver appeared to be dozing off moments before the crash. The footage showed the bus drifting from its lane, crossing into the right lane, and entering the shoulder before striking the stationary public transport vehicle. Police reports indicated no signs of braking or evasive maneuvers. The crash resulted in 40 injuries: 8 passengers from the Viação Cometa bus, which was traveling from Belo Horizonte to Rio de Janeiro, and 32 from the Juiz de Fora bus. The deceased have been identified as Nicoli Augusta Santos Silva, 16; Miria Aparecida Nunes, 47; Maria Eduardah Mariano Silva, 21; and her 2-year-old daughter, Sophia Gonçalves da Silva.