BUS SMASH
Three players killed in horror bus crash after coach carrying Brazilian football team flips on route to Rio
The three men who died in the crash were named by the team on social media
THREE people have been killed and six injured in a horrific bus crash carrying a Brazilian football team to a championship game.
Local media claims the three who died were players from the American football team the Coritiba Crocodiles of the southern Brazilian city of Curitiba.
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The three men were named by the team on social media as Daniel Cross, Lucas Barros and Lucas Padilha.
The team were going to Rio de Janeiro where they were to play in the country's American football championship.
The game was cancelled after the horror crash.
Barros was a 20-year-old wide receiver for the team and he posted recently from the NFL's first Brazil game.
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Team Coritiba Crocodiles said in a statement on Saturday: "Our hearts are heavy with grief, and we ask everyone to send their prayers and positive energy.
"In the face of this tragedy, all our efforts are focused on supporting the team members and their loved ones."
On social media the heartbroken team said: "It is with deep regret that we receive 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 has already worn our shirt and who will always be remembered fondly by the American football community in Goiânia.
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"Our hearts go out to the families and friends of all involved at this time of sorrow. We wish you strength and our sincere condolences."
Those injured in the crash were being treated in a hospital and local authorities claim they will investigate the cause of the crash.
The tragic incident comes months after a horror mini bus crash left 17 football fans in hospital after a multi-vehicle smash.
Supporters of South Shields FC were travelling back from Tamworth on Saturday evening when the bus overturned on he A1 near Darrington in West Yorkshire.
The team lost their away clash 3-2 against Tamworth in the Vanarama National League North.
But a group of fans' journey ended up in chaos after their minibus careered onto its side.
A shocking video posted on social media from the scene shows a damaged minibus on its side on the carriageway.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and cordoned off the motorway on both sides until 3am on Sunday.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service said 17 people were dashed to hospital - including seven seriously hurt.
West Yorkshire Police added: "Following the collision, 17 football fans were rushed to the nearest hospital.
"Shortly after 7pm on April 13, a number of calls were received reporting a minibus had overturned on the Northbound carriageway near junction 40 with passengers inside.
"The collision involved a black Skoda Fabia and an Iris single decker minibus.
"Initial enquiries suggest there is a third vehicle involved, a white car, which has not yet been identified.
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"There were 17 people injured and taken to hospital for treatment, with seven of those thought to have suffered serious injuries.
"Enquiries into the circumstances regarding the collision remain ongoing with officers from the Roads Policing Unit."
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