A serious accident involving a minibus and a trailer resulted in the death of 23 people and left another 5 injured in the early hours of August 19, 2026. The crash took place on the BR-373 highway, close to the municipality of Ipiranga, in the Campos Gerais region, in Paraná. The initial information was released by the Federal Highway Police (PRF).
The Via Araucária concessionaire, responsible for the stretch, reported that the fatal victims included 21 adults and 2 children. The majority of deaths occurred among the occupants of the minibus, which was transporting patients from the Health Department of Imbituva City Hall. The driver of the truck, born in Erechim, Rio Grande do Sul, also succumbed to his injuries.
As preliminary investigations indicate, the truck had entered the opposite lane, which caused the head-on collision with the minibus. The PRF announced that the exact circumstances of the incident are under analysis, with a survey being carried out on site.
The accident occurred around 3:30 am at kilometer 209 of the highway, resulting in the total closure of the section, which has single lanes. So far, there is no forecast for the complete opening of the road.
The PRF detailed that the truck was traveling in the direction of Carambeí to Prudentópolis. The minibus, in turn, transported patients from Imbituva to hospitals located in Greater Curitiba, reinforcing the relevance of the health service impacted by the accident.
Security authorities have not yet been able to confirm the total number of passengers in both vehicles, nor have they released the list of victims’ names.
The injured were promptly rescued and taken to hospital units in Ponta Grossa, in Campos Gerais. Surveys indicate that three people are in serious condition, while two others had injuries considered moderate.
At the scene of the accident, several emergency teams are working to respond to the incident. Among them are the Federal Highway Police, Via Araucária, the Mobile Emergency Care Service (Samu) and the Fire Department.
At around 6:47 am, the concessionaire reported that congestion reached approximately 9 km towards Ponta Grossa and 7 km towards Prudentópolis, highlighting the impact on traffic in the region.
Official mourning is decreed by the government of Paraná
The Government of Paraná instituted three days of official mourning throughout the state in memory of the victims of the accident. In a statement, the state Executive deeply regretted the losses and expressed solidarity with the families of those involved.
“The State put its structure in place to deal with the incident. In addition to the Paraná Military Fire Brigade (CBMPR), which rescues the victims, teams from the Paraná Scientific Police (PCP) and the Civil Police (PCPR) are already on site. The identification work will be done at the PCP headquarters in Ponta Grossa. The State Department of Health, the State Public Defender’s Office and the entire social assistance structure are already mobilized and providing assistance to the victims and families involved”, stated the note.
The governor of Paraná, Ratinho Junior, also spoke out about the tragedy through his social networks.
“Paraná dawns in mourning after the accident in Ipiranga. My condolences go out to the families of the victims and the entire community of Imbituva. To those injured, I hope they have a speedy recovery. Our security forces are already working to understand what happened and clarify the causes of the accident. May God give comfort and strength to everyone who faces this pain”, wrote the governor.
Imbituva City Hall also released a note of condolence, regretting what happened and paying tribute to those affected by the tragedy.
“In light of the tragic accident that occurred on BR-373, which killed residents of our region, the City Hall of Imbituva expresses deep regret and solidarity with all the families and friends affected by this moment of pain. Out of respect for the victims and their families, the City Hall and other administrative service locations will be closed on this date, as a form of respect and mourning. Essential services will remain operating normally, ensuring service to the population. In this moment of deep sadness, Imbituva joins in solidarity with the families, wishing strength and comfort to everyone facing this painful loss”, says the note from the city hall.
