A devastating head-on collision involving two cars on a Brazilian federal highway during the early hours of Tuesday resulted in the death of five individuals, including a four-month-old baby of a Cuban family, and two women also of Cuban origin.
The horrific accident occurred around 1:40 a.m. on kilometer 90 of the BR-210 highway, near Porto Grande in the state of Amapá. Among the victims were three adults, a six-year-old child, and the infant, while four others sustained injuries, including the baby's parents, as reported by Diário do Amapá.
The preliminary report from the Federal Highway Police (PRF) stated that the collision occurred when the driver of a red Volkswagen Up, traveling from Macapá towards the state’s interior, crossed into the opposite lane and violently collided with a gray Nissan Versa coming from the other direction. Emergency responders from the Fire Department rescued the injured, transporting three to the Regional Hospital of Porto Grande and another to the Emergency Hospital of Macapá for treatment.
According to the PRF, the deceased from the Nissan included the four-month-old baby, Aldo Milán Aldana Rodríguez, 62-year-old Hilda Menéndez Valdés, her daughter Yohany Rico Menéndez, and the car's driver, Messias Ramos Teixeira. The baby's parents, 31-year-old Suzana de la Caridad Scull Marcel and Vladimir Aldana Rodríguez, were also injured and admitted to the Porto Grande hospital.
The occupants of the red VW were a family of Brazilian health workers, including their six-year-old son who perished at the scene. His identity has not been disclosed. The injured parents, 23-year-old Raylane de Assunção Caetano and Luiz Fernando de Oliveira de Lima, were taken to hospitals in Porto Grande and Macapá, respectively. Oliveira de Lima, who suffered a femur fracture and chest trauma, was due for surgery, according to a hospital statement. The three patients at Porto Grande Hospital were reported stable, but Scull Marcel's condition was grave, necessitating her transfer to Macapá. No further updates on the injured are available.
CiberCuba confirmed the Cuban nationality of the deceased mother and daughter, though authorities have not disclosed the nationalities of all victims. Shocking images released by the Highway Police show the wreckage, with one car's engine ejected by the impact and the other overturned in a wooded area.
The police report, cited by Brazilian media, suggests that the collision happened near the road's edge on a straight path, implying the Nissan driver attempted to avoid the oncoming vehicle. Authorities suspect the VW driver either fell asleep or executed a reckless passing maneuver.
The Military Fire Department of Amapá told G1, part of the Globo network, that the occupants of the red vehicle were wearing seatbelts and the child was in a car seat. However, the condition of the gray car precluded verifying seatbelt use, though the report indicated that a passenger was ejected from the Nissan, suggesting they were unbuckled.
A PRF spokesperson described the crash as "highly chaotic," leading to road closures until approximately 8:00 a.m. The investigation into the accident's cause is ongoing.
Key Points on the Brazilian Highway Accident Involving a Cuban Family
What were the circumstances of the accident?
The accident occurred when a red Volkswagen Up crossed into the opposite lane and collided head-on with a gray Nissan Versa on a federal highway in Amapá, Brazil.
Who were the victims of the crash?
The victims included a four-month-old Cuban baby, two Cuban women, and a six-year-old Brazilian child. Several others were injured, including the infant's parents and the Brazilian child's parents.
What actions are being taken following the accident?
An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident, while those injured are receiving medical care in local hospitals.