A heartbreaking incident unfolded, resulting in the untimely passing of a young Brazilian student. Fernanda Pacheco Ferraz, a 13-year-old student at Rio de Janeiro’s Professor Carlos Côrtes State College, tragically lost her life during her journey home.
The incident occurred within the Catarcione neighbourhood of Nova Friburgo, Rio. The sequence of events leading to Ferraz’s demise occurred while she was on a bus ride back home.
Seated at the rear of the bus, the young student extended her head out of the window to bid farewell to friends standing on the sidewalk. What began as a spontaneous and friendly gesture soon turned into a harrowing accident.
Negotiating the narrow streets, the bus driver swerved abruptly to avoid an approaching vehicle, inadvertently causing Ferraz’s head to collide with a pole positioned near the curb.
Passengers aboard the bus were quick to alert the driver to the distressing incident. Despite the driver’s swift response – a seasoned professional with more than 13 years of experience – the vehicle was brought to a halt. Immediate measures were taken as emergency services were summoned. However, tragically, Ferraz succumbed to her injuries before any medical assistance could be administered.
The incident stirred profound sadness and regret within Nova Faol, the bus company responsible for the service.
They expressed their heartfelt condolences to Ferraz’s family and the community, acknowledging the gravity of the unforeseen tragedy.
The company pledged full cooperation with ongoing investigations aimed at uncovering the circumstances that led to this devastating accident.
DAILY EXPRESS US reports that The local education authority, Rio de Janeiro’s Secretary of Education, extended condolences to the bereaved family and community in a statement. Due to the school community being profoundly affected by the accident, the Secretary announced a two-day period of mourning. This sombre period involved the suspension of classes at the school.
“[Our office], sympathises with the immense pain of the family and has been providing all the assistance to it and the school community,” the statement read.