Alice Contreiras, a young biologist and post-graduate student at the Federal University of Bahia, tragically passed away in the early hours of March 16 after being hit by a cleaning truck that was servicing the Carnival route in Salvador. Reports state that Alice, who was enjoying Carnival with friends, attempted to climb onto the truck and subsequently lost her footing, leading to the fatal accident. The incident has raised questions about safety during such large public gatherings.

Alice was 24 years old and studying Biodiversity and Evolution. She was actively involved in her academic environment, participating in the Evolutionary Biology and Development Laboratory at her university. Alice's dedication to her field was further highlighted by her role in teaching a summer course on genes and bioinformatics. Her untimely death marks a significant loss not only to her family and friends but also to the scientific community she was a part of.

The event has sparked discussions about the overall organization and safety measures in place for public events like Carnival, particularly regarding the presence and operation of large vehicles during times when large crowds are gathered. It underscores the necessity for stricter safety protocols to prevent further tragedies at such major public celebrations.