Independencia bids farewell to three victims of Brazil tragedy, awaits dance teacher's body

Colonia Independencia, a community in Paraguay's Guairá department, is enveloped in deep sorrow following a tragic bus accident in Brazil's Santa Catarina state that claimed the lives of four compatriots.

On Friday, the community bid farewell to Nelly Peralta de Rojas, 75, Blanca Chamorro Resquín, 48, and her daughter Guadalupe Garcete Resquín, 8, during their funerals. Families of dance instructor Leticia Fernández Cristaldo, 38, were awaiting the arrival of her body on Friday afternoon for a final farewell.

The accident occurred early Wednesday morning on route SC-492, between the Brazilian towns of Maravilha and São Miguel da Boa Vista. The bus, registered in Paraguay, was transporting approximately 67 people who were returning from Gramado, where a delegation of dancers from Colonia Independencia had participated in a folklore competition.

Initial reports from Brazilian media suggest the driver stated the bus experienced a brake system failure on a curve, causing him to lose control. The vehicle veered off the road and plunged into a ravine. The four deceased were identified as Nelly Peralta de Rojas, Blanca Chamorro Resquín, her daughter Guadalupe Garcete Resquín, and dance instructor Leticia Fernández Cristaldo, who passed away hours after the crash.

The tragedy has profoundly impacted the community, with family, friends, and neighbors gathering to support those grieving. The funerals were marked by scenes of deep sadness, particularly during the farewell to young Guadalupe and her mother. Many attended to offer comfort to the grieving family. The accident also resulted in numerous injuries, with victims taken to various hospitals in Santa Catarina, some with serious conditions. The incident has sent shockwaves through both the community and the nation, as the delegation was returning from representing Paraguay at a cultural event.

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The trip represented a reason for pride for his sister.