Police chase in Brazil ends with six suspects dead

Rio de Janeiro, March 27 (IANS/EFE) At least six people died Monday in a running gunfight between police and suspected armed robbers in the eastern Brazilian city of Salvador, authorities said.

Four of the victims died of gunshot wounds and two died in a car crash, police said.

The victims were escaping in two cars after robbing the offices of a bus company.

The first getaway vehicle, carrying two individuals armed with machine guns and handguns, plunged down a ravine when the driver lost control, according to the official report.

Another four people, who apparently were part of the same gang and who were speeding away in another vehicle, were slain in a shootout with police.

One man, who according to the authorities is a former bus company employee, was nabbed during the chase and accused of having revealed confidential information about the firm.

According to police, the same group took part in another bus company robbery almost a month ago.

--IANS/EFE

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