Four people have died following a horrific road accident in Brazil after a runaway lorry reportedly lost control and slammed into several vehicles before overturning.
The fatal crash occurred on May 14 in a mountainous area of Rio de Janeiro state, where authorities believe the truck suffered brake failure while travelling downhill at high speed.
Shocking CCTV footage captured the moment the out-of-control lorry smashed into a car carrying elderly passengers before ploughing into other vehicles and striking a pedestrian.
Three occupants of the car — identified as Vilma Adame, 74, Geraldo Assis, 79, and Alvanir Pinheiro, 73 — were killed in the devastating collision.
The truck driver reportedly jumped out of the moving vehicle moments before impact but suffered severe head and lung injuries. He later died during surgery on May 15, bringing the total death toll to four.
Authorities said a 30-year-old pedestrian, identified as Thainá da Silva Rosa, was also struck while attempting to flee from the scene.
She reportedly sustained multiple fractures and is expected to undergo surgery. Her stepfather later said she narrowly escaped death after managing to run away from the truck’s path.
Two additional victims were injured during the incident, including 72-year-old Zilma Adame Pinheiro, the only surviving passenger from the destroyed car. She reportedly suffered a collapsed lung and a fractured clavicle.
Another man travelling in the lorry, identified as Luiz Gustavo Oliveira, escaped with minor injuries.
The speeding vehicle also reportedly crashed into a nearby church during the deadly rampage.
Police are continuing investigations into the exact cause of the accident, although preliminary findings suggest brake failure may have triggered the tragedy.
