Collision between train and bus leaves 13 injured in Rio de Janeiro

The collision between a passenger train and a bus left 13 people injured late Tuesday morning (18), in Japeri, metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro. According to Supervia, the concessionaire that operates the train service in the state, around 4:35 am the bus ran the light on a level crossing and was hit by the train. Supervia released a video showing the moment of the accident. It is possible to perceive that a sound signal warns of the passage of the train, which approaches with a horn. The image shows train passengers exiting the carriages after the crash. The Fire Department reported that it helped four people. Two were taken to the Hospital Municipal São Francisco Xavier, in Itaguaí, and the other two to the General Hospital of Nova Iguaçu. Itaguaí and Nova Iguaçu are located, as well as Japeri, in the Baixada Fluminense. Also according to firefighters, nine other people were rescued by the Mobile Emergency Care Service (Samu) in Japeri. Train circulation is suspended Train circulation on the branch had to be suspended. In a note, Supervia informed that the level crossing was regular, with signaling and sound and visual signals, as required by the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT). “According to the Brazilian Traffic Code (Federal Law No. 9503/97), trains have passage preference over other vehicles. Looking for signs of approaching trains is a prudent and necessary conduct that must be adopted by everyone when crossing the railway line”, said the concessionaire in a note. She added that “the trains are big and heavy and, therefore, cannot stop immediately after braking. At a speed of 80 km/h, for example, after the emergency braking is applied, the train travels approximately 290 meters until it stops completely”. Transportes Blanco, the company that operated the bus involved in the accident, said it was cooperating with the police investigation into the causes of the accident. The company also opened an internal procedure to investigate the conduct of its driver, since it maintains regular training for its professionals. The Regulatory Agency for Public Services Granted for Waterway, Rail, Metro and Highway Transport of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Agetransp) opened a police report to determine the circumstances of the accident. “An inspection team went to the crash site. Means, systems and equipment will be analyzed by technicians from the regulatory agency, such as the operation of light and sound signaling”, he said in a note. Article expanded at 10:23 am to include the last two paragraphs

Agência Brasil