A tragic Christmas Eve car crash has claimed the lives of five family members, including two young children. The incident occurred on the SP-331 motorway when a BMW collided with the family’s vehicle, causing it to catch fire and resulting in the deaths of 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.
The driver of the BMW, who sustained minor injuries, was taken to a hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He reported to the authorities that the family car was stationary on the road without lights and declined to undergo a breathalyser test. Investigations into the crash are ongoing.
Paula, known for her cheese-selling business, and Dulcinéia, a preschool teacher, were well-known figures in the region. Luís Carlos, also known as ‘Batore’, frequently shared family moments on social media, including images of their children horseback riding.
The Iacanga Municipal Council expressed condolences to the family, who were residents of the Sao Paulo district, and declared a three-day mourning period. A statement on Facebook from the council conveyed deep sorrow over the tragic event and offered support to the bereaved families and friends.
Local residents paid tribute to the family on social media, expressing sadness and prayers for their souls. The crash prompted a substantial emergency response involving authorities and recovery teams, leading to road closures on the SP-331 motorway near Balbinos until the early hours of Christmas Day.