Family of Five Perishes in Christmas Eve Motorway Horror
A devastating car crash on Christmas Eve has claimed the lives of five members of the same family, including two young children. The incident occurred on the SP-331 motorway near Balbinos in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and has plunged the local community into profound grief.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The victims have been named as Luís Carlos de Souza Pinheiro, 36, and Paula Daniela Martins, 45, their two children aged 12 and four, and Paula's sister, Dulcinéia Lozano. According to reports, the family's vehicle was struck by a BMW on Wednesday evening, causing it to burst into flames in the middle of the carriageway. All five family members were pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the BMW, who sustained only minor injuries, was taken to Santa Casa de Pirajuí hospital. He informed police that the family's car was stationary on the motorway with its lights off. The driver refused to provide a breathalyser sample. Authorities continue to investigate the exact circumstances of the tragic collision.
A Community in Mourning
The family were residents of Iacanga, a small town in the Sao Paulo district. Paula was known locally for selling cheeses, while her sister Dulcinéia worked as a preschool teacher. Luís Carlos, affectionately known as 'Batore', often shared cherished family moments on social media, including photos of the children riding horses.
In response to the tragedy, the Iacanga Municipal Council declared three days of institutional mourning. A statement on Facebook expressed the council's "deep sorrow" and solidarity with the bereaved. The post was met with an outpouring of tributes from heartbroken locals, with one writing, "This road has claimed many lives!!"
Emergency Response and Aftermath
The crash prompted a major emergency response involving the Military Highway Police, two fire engines, and several recovery vehicles. The collision led to significant diversions on the SP-331, which remained in place until 6am on Christmas Day as investigators worked at the scene.
