A tragic incident on Christmas Eve resulted in the loss of five family members, including two children, in a devastating car crash. The victims, identified as Luís Carlos de Souza Pinheiro, 36, Paula Daniela Martins, 45, their 12-year-old and four-year-old children, and Paula’s sister Dulcinéia Lozano, lost their lives when their vehicle was struck by a BMW on the SP-331 motorway, causing it to catch fire.
The driver of the BMW sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil. According to the driver, the family’s car was stationary on the road without lights, and he declined to undergo a breathalyzer test. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Paula, recognized for her cheese-selling business in the area, and her sister Dulcinéia, a preschool teacher, were among the victims. Luís Carlos, also known as ‘Batore,’ frequently shared family moments on social media, including images of the children riding horses.
The Iacanga Municipal Council expressed condolences to the family, residents of a small town in the Sao Paulo district, and announced a three-day mourning period. A statement on Facebook conveyed the council’s deep sorrow over the tragic incident and extended support to the grieving families and friends.
Local residents paid tribute to the deceased family, expressing sadness and offering prayers for their souls. The fatal crash prompted a significant emergency response involving the Military Highway Police, fire crews, and recovery teams, with road closures in effect until early Christmas morning.