At least 24 people were killed in Brazil during heavy rains that lashed the northeastern state of Pernambuco, Civil Defence authorities said Friday. Another four people were reported missing in Vitoria de Santo Antao and Jaboatao dos Guararapes, and 4,000 families were forced out of their homes by flooding affecting 16 municipalities, dpa reported. On Thursday, a van transporting 18 indigenous people from the Pancararu and Aticum ethnic groups plunged into a river. The driver and 16 other people, including three children, were trapped inside the van and drowned. Another person was still missing. A firefighter who took part in rescue efforts at the river was also killed when his security rope split and he fell to his death. Another six people were killed by collapsing homes and landslides in several cities. --SP 2204 Local Time 1904 GMT