A tragic incident occurred in Japeri, Brazil, where a 21-year-old man named Guilherme Lima da Silva was fatally hit by a freight train while riding his motorcycle at a level crossing on Rua da Cruz. Local authorities reported that the accident took place late Sunday night, and despite the prompt response from the fire department, the young man was already deceased when they arrived on the scene. The area in which the accident occurred has been raised as a point of concern due to reported issues with the warning signals that are supposed to alert drivers and riders of incoming trains.

Residents and family members of the victim have been vocal about their discontent, claiming that the audible warning system at the level crossing had been malfunctioning for over a week prior to the incident. Protests erupted in the community as they urged the rail company, MRS Logística, to improve the safety measures at the crossing and ensure proper maintenance of the signaling system. The mother of the deceased, Veriani Lima, has been particularly outspoken, stating that no personnel from the company were present at the time of the accident, further compounding the tragedy.

This incident raises significant concerns regarding railway safety in the region, as community members fear that without prompt action from the rail company, further accidents may occur. The demand for accountability and maintenance from the rail company highlights a larger issue in Brazil concerning the infrastructure and safety at railway crossings. This protest not only signifies the grief of the community but also their determination to advocate for safety changes to prevent future tragedies.