A heartbreaking head-on collision between a van and a truck Tuesday night (June 13) on Brazil’s BR-251 highway, near Grão Mogol, left nine people dead and 12 others injured. Most of the victims were seasonal farm workers on their way home to Ceará after a long day in the fields.

Authorities say the truck veered into the wrong lane during rainy conditions, slamming into the van. The impact was immediate—and fatal. The victims included men, women, and a 4-year-old boy. Some remain unidentified.

Early reports from investigators point to the truck crossing the center line. Skid marks and road conditions suggest wet pavement, poor visibility, and possibly speeding played roles in the crash.

The van, which was not authorized for interstate passenger transport, was carrying 19 workers from rural towns in Goiás and Minas Gerais. Officials are now highlighting the risks of illegal transportation—often the only option for low-wage rural workers.

The truck’s company, OPR Logística, expressed sorrow and pledged to cooperate with authorities. A full report is expected within 30 days to determine if the crash could have been prevented and who may be legally responsible.

This tragedy has reignited urgent conversations across Brazil about unsafe roads, illegal transport, and the need for stricter oversight on federal highways.