A severe multi-vehicle pile-up completely blocked traffic on the Anel Rodoviário in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday afternoon, May 12. The collision occurred in the Vitória-bound lane near the Betânia neighborhood in the city’s West Region, leaving at least two people injured.
Details of the Collision
According to the Fire Department, at least 13 vehicles were involved in the accident. The wreckage included eight cars, one pickup truck, and four semi-trucks.
Rescue teams report that the incident took place around 2:40 p.m. Near the Avenida Úrsula Paulino cloverleaf and the road’s escape area. Witnesses at the scene stated that a semi-truck lost its brakes while descending the stretch, subsequently striking other vehicles on the road.
Emergency Response and Injuries
Initial reports indicate that at least two individuals were injured in the crash. One occupant of a vehicle was rescued by the Mobile Emergency Care Service (Samu) with light injuries.
Images shared on social media depicted the severity of the impact, showing destroyed vehicles and one car overturned on the roadway as bystanders rushed to assist the victims.
Traffic Disruptions and Diversions
BHTrans reported that the Vitória-bound lane was totally closed, forcing the flow of vehicles to be diverted to the marginal road. This blockage created ripple effects across various access points in the West Region and other key corridors leading to the Anel Rodoviário.
The impact on transit was significant, with the Waze app recording an average speed of just 13 km/h as drivers faced long periods of retention.
Given the scale of the wreckage, clearing the roadway could take considerable time, and traffic may remain unstable until all vehicles are removed. Authorities may continue to implement diversions to manage the congestion in the West Region.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vehicles were involved in the accident?
At least 13 vehicles were involved, consisting of eight cars, one pickup truck, and four semi-trucks.
What was the reported cause of the pile-up?
Witnesses reported that a semi-truck lost its brakes while descending the road, which led to the collision with other vehicles.
What was the impact on traffic speed?
According to the Waze app, traffic experienced severe delays with an average speed of 13 km/h.
Do you believe more escape areas are needed on major highways to prevent accidents caused by brake failure?
