Tree falls and blocks the downhill lane of Serra das Araras, in Piraí
A tree fall in Piraí, Brazil, has completely blocked a lane on the Serra das Araras, causing a 15 km traffic jam without reported injuries.
On Sunday night, a tree fell and completely blocked the downhill lane of Serra das Araras in Piraí, Rio de Janeiro, at kilometer 230 of the Via Dutra highway at around 7:44 PM. This incident led to a significant traffic jam extending up to 15 kilometers. According to the Federal Highway Police, no injuries were reported as a result of the tree fall, and traffic was initially maintained on one lane while emergency responses began.
By 10:29 PM, the Fire Department decided to close the area again due to risks of further landslides in the region, underscoring concerns about the weather and ground stability in the area. The traffic on the lane directing towards Rio de Janeiro was reduced to a single lane under a 'stop and go' system, complicating the situation for drivers.
As of the following morning, the traffic jam remained significant, reaching 15 kilometers, without any clear estimate for when the lane would be fully reopened. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, indicating that safety remains a priority as they manage the roadway's stability and accessibility.