UPDATE: A family of four, including two young daughters, has been tragically killed in a car crash while driving home for Christmas in Brazil. The incident occurred on December 22, 2023, as Lucas Celestino Reis, 40, and his wife, Jéssica Silva da Hora, 35, were eagerly anticipating the holiday celebration. Their daughters, Ana, aged 8, and Ísis, aged 3, were traveling with them along with Jéssica’s 19-year-old niece, Rayane Rebouças da Hora.
The family set off from Nova Serrana in southeastern Brazil in the early hours of the day, heading to Ibicuí in the northeast. Shortly into their journey, the second car, driven by Rayane’s father, lost sight of them. After turning back to search for the missing vehicle, he reported their absence to the police when they failed to return home.
Authorities launched a search and discovered the family’s car overturned in a stream beside the motorway, with all occupants tragically dead inside. Police believe that Lucas lost control of the vehicle, causing it to cross the road, hit an embankment, and tumble into the water. Parts of the car were submerged when it was located.
Local reports indicate that Lucas’s sister, Lucimar, expressed her devastation: “He was coming so we could meet his little daughter, whom we never even got to know. It was meant to be a Christmas full of joy. The whole family was waiting for him, with everything prepared. And then we received the bodies.”
The victims were laid to rest in Ibicuí on December 24, just two days before Christmas, intensifying the emotional impact on their loved ones.
This tragedy follows another horrific incident earlier in the day on Christmas Eve, where six people were killed in a separate car crash involving a Volkswagen Passat and a Ford Kuga in Poland. The collision resulted in one vehicle catching fire, with all occupants perishing at the scene. Authorities stated: “Six people were involved in the crash. Unfortunately, all died at the scene. Services are working at the site under the supervision of the Brest prosecutor’s office.”
Adding to the grim narrative, another car crash occurred next to the US Embassy in Lisbon, where six individuals were killed when a BMW lost control and ignited upon impact. This series of tragic accidents highlights the urgent need for road safety awareness during the holiday season.
Citizens are urged to remain vigilant while traveling during this festive period, as families everywhere hope to reunite and celebrate safely.
