Hostages and shooting at Rio de Janeiro's main bus station: At least two injured

The hostage situation kept the Novo Rio bus terminal in Rio de Janeiro in suspense. A man opened fire several times and hijacked a departing bus. At least two people were injured in the firing, one of them in critical condition. After about four hours, the attacker – who has a criminal record – surrendered and was arrested.

At least 17 hostages, including children and the elderly, were held on the bus, according to Marco Andrade, a spokesman for Rio's military police.

For his part, the defense secretary said the attacker was the attacker He shot two people He entered the bus station and then boarded the bus. It was also revealed that the aggressor had the intention of robbing the bus.

For this journey, 37 tickets were sold for the upper section of the bus, the company said

Amid scenes of panic, the area was cordoned off and evacuated. Meanwhile, agents from the elite Special Operations Battalion unit are conducting “on-the-spot negotiations,” Rio's military police explained in a statement.

Due to the current situation, buses bound for Novo Rio Terminal will terminate at Gentileza Terminal, the company said.

The shooting started around 2:30 pm. An armed man entered a bus of the Viação Sampaio company that was about to arrive in the city of Juís de Fora, which had already stopped at a stop with passengers. In a video that has gone viral on the networks, people waiting in the main hall of the terminal can be seen running in disbelief.

After the arrival of the police, a shootout ensued, in which at least two people were injured and taken to Sousa Aguirre Hospital, located in the port area of ​​Rio de Janeiro.

One of the wounded would have received Three gunshots to the chest and abdomen. He had to be taken to the operating room and is in critical condition.

The other injured person was identified as 34-year-old Bruno Lima da Costa, who had traveled 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 with the hijacker for nearly four hours.

Finally, the kidnapper surrendered around 6pm, said the military police spokesperson. He was arrested and the passengers were released.

Police were able to identify the attacker Paulo Sergio Lima, 29 years old. He has a criminal record for two armed robberies.

Rio de Janeiro's mayor, Eduardo Paes, said the Novo Rio bus terminal was closed and state security forces were on the scene. Firefighters and local groups also participated, offering support and guidance to drivers in the region.

“The concessionaire requests ticket holders to reschedule their journey for the next few hours,” said the mayor.

The company, for its part, released a statement expressing regret over what happened: “We will continue to offer the greatest support to the company's customers and employees.”