2024-03-12 22:25:16
A hostage situation kept the Novo Rio bus terminal in Rio de Janeiro in suspense. A man fired several shots and kidnapped a bus that was regarding to leave, leaving at least two people injured by gunshots, one of them in serious condition. After almost four hours, the attacker – who had a criminal record – surrendered and was arrested.
At least 17 hostages were held on the bus, including children and the elderly, according to Marco Andrade, spokesman for the Rio Military Police.
For his part, the Secretary of Security reported that the attacker shot two people when he entered the bus station and then got on the bus. It also emerged that the aggressor had intentions of robbing the bus.
The company reported that for this trip 37 tickets had been sold for the upper part of the bus, which is in the executive category, and 6 for the lower part, which operates in the sleeper category.
The area was cordoned off and evacuated, amid scenes of panic. Meanwhile, agents from the elite Special Operations Battalion unit carry out “negotiations on the spot,” the Rio Military Police explained in a statement.
The company reported that due to the prevailing situation, buses bound for the Novo Rio terminal will end their trips at the Gentileza Terminal.
The shooting began around 2:30 p.m. An armed man entered a bus of the Viação Sampaio company that was destined for the city of Juiz de Fora and that was stopped in the parking lot with its passengers already on board. In a video that went viral on the networks, people who were waiting in the main hall of the terminal were seen running away, desperate.
After the arrival of the Police, there was an exchange of gunfire in which at least two people were injured and were taken to the Souza Aguiar hospital, located in the port area of Rio de Janeiro.
A passenger fights for his life and the background of the bus hijacker in Rio de Janeiro
One of the injured would have received three gunshots to the thorax and abdomen. He had to be taken to the operating room and is in critical condition.
The other injured person was identified as Bruno Lima da Costa, 34, who was traveling to Belo Horizonte. According to the O Globo network, he was hit in the chest and is undergoing surgery.
Members of the Police Special Operations Battalion (BOPE) blocked all access to the terminal and negotiated for almost four hours with the kidnapper.
The empty terminal following the evacuation in the middle of the hostage situation on a bus in Rio de Janeiro. AFP PhotoFinally, the kidnapper surrendered around 6 p.m., according to the Military Police spokesperson. He was detained and the passengers were released.
The police managed to identify the attacker as Paulo Sérgio Lima, 29 years old. He has a criminal record for two armed robberies.
The mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes, had reported that the Novo Rio Bus Terminal was closed and the State Government Security Forces were operating there. Firefighters and local teams also participated, providing support and guiding drivers in the region.
“The Concessionaire requests that anyone who has a ticket for the next few hours reschedule their trip,” said the mayor.
The company, for its part, issued a statement regretting what happened: “We will provide the greatest possible support to the company’s customers and employees.”
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