Brazilian authorities have launched an investigation into the mysterious death of a 20-year-old woman who collapsed aboard a long-distance bus, later discovered with 26 iPhones strapped to her body.
The incident occurred during a trip from Foz do Iguaçu to São Paulo, with the woman reportedly falling ill while the bus made a scheduled stop at a roadside restaurant in Guarapuava, Paraná State.
Emergency services were alerted after the woman complained of difficulty breathing. According to a statement from the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU), she was conscious but struggling to breathe when medics arrived. Her condition rapidly deteriorated, and she reportedly suffered a seizure before going into respiratory distress.
Paramedics attempted to resuscitate her for 45 minutes but were ultimately unsuccessful, and she was declared dead at the scene.
While administering aid, emergency responders noticed unusual bulges beneath her clothing. Further examination revealed dozens of packages taped directly to her torso. Upon inspection by police, 26 iPhones were found strapped to her body, sparking suspicions of attempted smuggling.
The Military Police responded to the scene and immediately called in forensic and civil investigators. A sniffer dog brought in to examine her luggage found no trace of narcotics, though officers did seize several bottles of alcohol from her bags.
The Paraná Civil Police confirmed that the woman was traveling alone and that her identity is being withheld pending notification of her family. The 26 phones were confiscated and handed over to Brazil’s Federal Revenue Service.
“The Civil Police are conducting forensic examinations to determine the exact cause of death,” authorities said in a statement. As of now, the motive behind the suspected smuggling attempt remains unclear.
Investigations are ongoing.