A passenger bus plunged into a river after losing control on a ferry access ramp at the Port of São Francisco in northern Brazil, triggering a major rescue operation as firefighters and specialist divers searched for passengers feared trapped underwater.

The accident occurred when the bus veered off the embarkation ramp and fell into the water while approaching the port. Witnesses said the vehicle quickly began to sink, prompting passengers to smash windows and scramble to escape.

Emergency services, including firefighters, maritime rescue teams and specialized dive units, were immediately dispatched to the scene.

According to local authorities, the bus was carrying between 10 and 12 people at the time of the crash. Several passengers managed to free themselves through the windows, while others were rescued by crews aboard a nearby vessel that rushed to assist.

Officials said eight passengers were transported to nearby hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to moderate. Medical authorities reported that most of the injured were in stable condition.

Rescue operations continued for several hours as divers searched the submerged vehicle and surrounding waters for anyone who might still be trapped. Authorities have not yet released a final casualty figure, and the number of missing passengers remains under verification.

Heavy rescue equipment, including cranes, was deployed to recover the bus from the river as investigators worked to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Preliminary reports suggest the vehicle may have lost braking power or traction while descending the ramp, although officials stressed that the exact cause has not yet been established.

Police have launched a formal investigation into the incident, and the bus driver has been questioned as part of the inquiry. Investigators are also examining the vehicle's mechanical condition, surveillance footage from the port, and weather and road conditions at the time of the accident.

Authorities said the search operation would continue until all passengers have been accounted for and urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation remains ongoing. (ILKHA)