Brazil Head-On Collision: At Least 21 Killed, 4 Injured in Fatal

The crash happened in the early hours of Wednesday morning local time on the BR-373 highway in Paraná state. At least 21 people have been killed and another four injured in a head-on collision between a minibus and a lorry.

Authorities have opened an investigation to determine what may have caused the two vehicles to crash into each other.

The highway has been closed while forensic experts and members of Brazil's federal highway police examine the site of the crash, which is located at kilometre 209.

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Deadly road traffic accidents are not uncommon in Brazil. According to a study published recently, research suggests excessive speed, inebriated drivers and the use of mobile phones while driving is often the cause.

In February, 15 people died on board a bus carrying pilgrims to a festival in the north-eastern state of Ceará.

The minibus belonged to the health authorities of the near The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with officials promising to release more information soon.