The bus had stopped at a restaurant in the central region of Paraná, Brazil, when the young woman reportedly had difficulty breathing, possibly suffered a seizure and went into cardiac arrest.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services, who performed CPR on her for 45 minutes, the unnamed woman passed away at the scene.
However, the unusual case took an even stranger turn when cops made the startling discovery that she had dozens of iPhone devices glued to her body and even more unexplainable items in her bags.
A post-mortem investigation found dozens of packages attached to her body, including 26 mobile phones, and even more cellphones and alcoholic drinks packed in her luggage.
Now, authorities have reportedly suggested a theory – that she was possibly attempting to smuggle goods while on her solo trip from Foz do Iguaçu to São Paulo.
According to The Mirror, investigators have stated the items found on her body and in her bags support the hypothesis of illicit trafficking.
Her body has since been transported to the Forensic Medical Institute while all 26 iPhones and other items in her luggage have been seized and taken to the federal police.
While Paraná Civil Police are still investigating the case, a forensic report is also yet to reveal what caused the respiratory incident that led to the victim’s cardiac arrest.
It is also alleged she had suffered a seizure which would explain her subsequent symptoms of respiratory distress, while medics said her heart may have stopped beating after she stopped breathing as a result of the possible seizure.
The woman’s identity has not been disclosed publicly while the investigation is underway, but cops did confirm a search with sniffer dogs did not uncover any drugs on the woman.
Cops told Brazilian news outlet Globo: “The Paraná Civil Police are investigating the case and awaiting the conclusion of forensic reports to clarify the cause of death.”
They added: “According to preliminary information, the woman, who was alone, was traveling from Foz do Iguaçu to São Paulo.
“The 26 cell phones that were glued to her body were seized and sent to the Federal Revenue Service.”