In a heart-wrenching ceremony attended by friends and relatives, the family of Luiza Guerra de Azevedo, a one-year-old girl, said their goodbyes in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo. Luiza tragically lost her life on Tuesday, February 17, when the vehicle she was traveling in with her family was struck by a falling eucalyptus tree. The incident occurred in Capetinga, Minas Gerais, as they were returning from a Carnival celebration at a ranch in Delfinópolis.

The accident happened on the MG-444 highway, a route linking Capetinga with the border of São Paulo State. According to the Military Road Police, the eucalyptus tree fell on the side of the car where Luiza was secured in her child seat. The impact was severe enough to cause the vehicle to veer off the road. At the time of the accident, heavy traffic was reported due to the end of the Carnival holiday, particularly in the direction of São Paulo. The car was carrying Luiza's father, age 40, her mother, age 36, and her 8-year-old sister along with Luiza herself.

This tragic event highlights ongoing concerns regarding roadside safety and environmental considerations in Brazil, especially during peak travel times like Carnival. Family and friends are left with deep sorrow, reflecting on the unexpected nature of such a loss and the potential dangers lurking in seemingly ordinary circumstances, such as travel along well-frequented highways during holiday periods.