A tragic accident occurred on September 21, 2024, when a bus carrying the Coritiba Crocodiles American football team overturned on the Presidente Dutra highway near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The incident resulted in the unfortunate death of three players and left six others injured. The team was en route to a Brazilian American Football League match against the Flamengo Imperadores in Rio de Janeiro at the time of the accident.
The victims were identified by the local press as Daniel Cross, Lucas Barros, and Lucas Padilha. Barros was a 20-year-old wide receiver who was also the captain of Brazil’s U20 national team.
A social media post from Felip Muniz, a staff member of the team, expressed his disbelief over the loss, saying, “Lucas, Penguin, and Captain, I still can’t believe you’re gone. Yesterday, unfortunately, was the day to say goodbye to three brothers.”
The bus, which was carrying 43 passengers, flipped onto its side during transit. Images from the accident site display the overturned vehicle blocking the highway. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by authorities, and the injured victims are being treated at a nearby hospital. The football team released a statement expressing their grief and requested support and positive thoughts from the public in these challenging times.
This incident has cast a pall on the burgeoning interest in American football in Brazil, a country where the sport has been gaining traction. This has been further fueled by the recent expansion of the NFL into international markets. Earlier this year, Brazil hosted its first NFL game, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s fans and players. The NFL has been actively working to establish a foothold in Brazil, organizing flag football leagues, Super Bowl watch parties, and forming partnerships with Brazilian media outlets.
Barros had shared his excitement for the NFL’s inaugural game in Brazil on social media shortly before the accident. His passion for the sport was apparent, and his untimely death has sent shockwaves throughout the American football community in Brazil and internationally. The Coritiba Crocodiles conducted a vigil at their home ground, Croco Stadium, on the evening of the accident, allowing teammates and fans to pay their respects to the deceased. The Brazilian Football Confederation also honored the victims with a minute of silence before the weekend matches.
The bus operator, Princesa dos Campos, issued a statement expressing their sympathy for those affected and confirmed that they are providing assistance to the families of the victims. The company is cooperating with the ongoing investigation and has engaged specialists to thoroughly examine the incident.
