How Did 2 Workers Die in a Van Crash in Andradas, Brazil?

What happened in Andradas?

At the end of last month, in late September 2026, a van carrying workers in Andradas, Minas Gerais, Brazil, lost its brakes while descending a slope and came to a stop at an embankment on a vacant lot. The crash left two fatal victims.

Who died in the crash?

• 2 workers died: Sebastião Guerino dos Santos, 76, and José Cândido Tomé, 77.
• Sebastião had been in hospital since the end of last month; his death was confirmed by the Santa Casa de Poços de Caldas hospital, and he was buried on Friday 16 October at the Andradas Municipal Cemetery.
• José Cândido Tomé, a rural worker, died of serious injuries after being admitted to Santa Casa.
• 10 workers were being transported in the van at the time of the crash.

What happened to the other people in the van?

The driver, aged 21, and two other people were trapped in the wreckage and had to be rescued. The report did not state the total number of injured beyond the two fatal victims and the three people who were trapped.

What did police say about the van?

According to the Military Police, the van was in a terrible state of conservation. The police said:

• the van's licensing had expired;
• it had no seats or seatbelts for the passengers carried in the rear;
• the driver did not hold a driving licence (CNH).

What is the investigation status?

The circumstances of the crash are being investigated by the Civil Police and the Ministry of Labour. The report did not state a confirmed cause beyond the reported brake failure.

Frequently asked questions

Where did the crash happen?

In Andradas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

When did the crash happen?

At the end of last month, in late September 2026. The second victim's death was reported on 16 October 2026.

How many people died?

Two workers died: José Cândido Tomé, 77, and Sebastião Guerino dos Santos, 76.

How many workers were in the van?

Ten workers were being transported in the van, according to the report.

What went wrong, according to the report?

The van reportedly lost its brakes while descending a slope and stopped at an embankment on a vacant lot. Police also said the van was in a terrible state of conservation, with expired licensing, no seats or seatbelts in the rear, and an unlicensed driver.

Who is investigating?

The Civil Police and the Ministry of Labour are investigating the circumstances of the crash.