Three killed in horror bus crash carrying Brazilian football team to championship game
- The match was later called off following the tragic deaths of Coritiba players
- Lucas Barros, captain of the Brazilian under-20 national team, was one of the victims
A bus carrying a Brazilian soccer team overturned on a road south of Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, killing three people and injuring at least six, authorities said.
According to local media, the three dead are players of the American football team Coritiba Crocodiles from the southern Brazilian city of Curitiba.
The three men were later named by the team on social media: Daniel Cross, Lucas Barros and Lucas Padilha.
Barros was a 20-year-old wide receiver for the team and was also captain of the under-20 national team.
He recently posted on social media about the first-ever NFL game in Brazil, as the sport continues to grow rapidly in the country.
Lucas Barros (left, pictured with his girlfriend) was one of the victims of the terrible bus crash
A vigil was held Saturday evening for the three Coritiba crocodiles following the fatal accident
The team was scheduled to travel to Rio de Janeiro on Saturday to play in the country’s American football championship, but the game was canceled after the fatal accident.
Photos circulating on local news sites and social media show the damaged bus lying on its side on the road.
“Our hearts are heavy with sadness and we ask everyone to send their prayers and positive energy,” the Coritiba Crocodiles said in a statement Saturday. “In light of this tragedy, all our efforts are focused on supporting the team members and their loved ones.
The injured are being treated in hospital and local authorities have said they will investigate the cause of the crash.
The team wrote the following on social media: ‘It is with great sadness that we received the news of the tragic accident involving the Croco de Curitiba team.
‘Among the victims, we mourn the loss of Lucas Barros, a player who wore our jersey and who will always be remembered with great affection by the American football community in Goiânia.
Barros was captain of the U20 national team and recently attended the first NFL game in Brazil
‘Our thoughts are with the families and friends of all involved at this time of sorrow. We wish you strength and our sincere condolences.
Staff member Felip Muniz, who was believed to be with the team, wrote on Instagram: ‘Lucas, Penguin and Captain, I still can’t believe you’re gone. Yesterday was unfortunately the day to say goodbye to three brothers.
“Our hearts are broken that we no longer have you with us. You will always be remembered as the wonderful people you were!
‘Thank you very much for giving me the honor to experience unique moments with you and know that we will represent you here, on and off the [grass]. We support you from above! The sky is definitely clearer today! I LOVE YOU BOTH!!’