A tragic frontal collision on the BR-251 highway in Salinas, Minas Gerais, claimed the lives of six members of the same family in the early hours of Tuesday (21). The victims, who were traveling in a passenger car, died at the scene after colliding with a large truck.
The Victims and the Tragedy
The deceased have been identified as 49-year-old José de Ribamar dos Santos Rodrigues Filho, who was driving the vehicle, and his wife, 39-year-old Maria Cintia Cavalcanti dos Santos. Also killed were the couple’s three children—aged 15, 10, and 3—and the children’s maternal grandmother, 59-year-old Solange Pereira Cavalcanti.
According to the Federal Highway Police (PRF), the 3-year-old child was traveling on the lap of the 15-year-old sister in the back seat. The family’s pet dog also died in the crash.
Details of the Collision
The accident occurred at Km 263 of the highway. The passenger car, bearing São Paulo license plates, was heading toward Bahia, while the truck was traveling from Lauro Freitas, Bahia, to Imbituba, in southern Santa Catarina.
The driver of the truck, who was not injured, told police that the car had entered the opposite lane, leading to the frontal impact. Emergency teams from SAMU and the Salinas Fire Department responded to the scene, where victims had to be extracted from the wreckage.
Investigation and Next Steps
The Civil Police have been called in to lead the investigation into the causes of the accident. Forensic teams and the PRF are working to finalize the technical reports.
While the road was partially blocked following the crash, authorities confirmed it was fully reopened a few hours later. Future findings from the police investigation could clarify the exact sequence of events that led the vehicle into the opposite lane.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the victims of the BR-251 accident?
The victims were José de Ribamar dos Santos Rodrigues Filho (49), Maria Cintia Cavalcanti dos Santos (39), their three children (aged 15, 10, and 3), and Solange Pereira Cavalcanti (59). The family dog also died.
Where was the family traveling to?
The family was traveling from São Paulo to Delmiro Gouveia, Alagoas, where they had already purchased a home to live near relatives.
What caused the collision according to initial reports?
The truck driver reported to the police that the car invaded the opposite lane, resulting in a frontal collision. The Civil Police are currently investigating the cause.
How can highway safety be improved to prevent such devastating family losses during long-distance travel?
