A devastating head-on collision on the BR-251 highway in Salinas, Minas Gerais, claimed the lives of an entire family early Tuesday morning. The accident occurred between a passenger car and a heavy truck, leaving no survivors among the car’s occupants.
Details of the Collision
According to the Federal Highway Police (PRF), the crash took place at kilometer 263 of the highway. The truck involved had departed from Lauro Freitas, Bahia, and was traveling toward Imbituba in southern Santa Catarina.
The passenger car, which bore São Paulo license plates, was traveling in the opposite direction toward Bahia. The driver of the truck reported to police that the car entered the wrong lane, triggering the frontal impact.
The Victims
The PRF confirmed the deaths of six people and the family’s pet dog. The victims included a 49-year-old man, his 39-year-old wife, and their three children, aged 3, 10, and 15.
Also killed in the accident was the children’s 59-year-old maternal grandmother. Police reports indicate that the 3-year-old child was traveling on the lap of the 15-year-old sibling in the back seat.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Rescue operations were carried out by the Salinas fire department and Samu teams. The victims remained trapped in the wreckage, and emergency crews were required to extract the bodies from the vehicle.
Whereas traffic at the site was partially blocked during the operation, authorities have since released the road. The truck driver did not sustain any injuries.
The Civil Police have been called to the scene and are expected to lead the investigation. This process could clarify the exact sequence of events and determine why the car entered the opposing lane.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly did the accident occur?
The collision happened at kilometer 263 of the BR-251 highway in Salinas, Minas Gerais.
Who were the victims of the crash?
The victims were a 49-year-old driver, his 39-year-old wife, three children (ages 3, 10, and 15), the children’s 59-year-old maternal grandmother, and the family dog.
What caused the accident according to the truck driver?
The truck driver reported to the police that the car invaded the opposite lane, which led to the head-on collision.
How can highway authorities better protect families traveling long distances across state lines?
