The Civil Defense of Rifaina in São Paulo reported on Sunday that images taken after a boat accident showing a fatal collision at the border with Sacramento in Minas Gerais, indicate that the pier was illuminated at the time of the incident. During the tragic occurrence, six individuals lost their lives, including a 4-year-old child and their mother. The boat, carrying 15 people, was en route to a house in a condominium by the Jaguara reservoir, where the group was staying.

According to Alcides Diniz dos Santos, the coordinator of the Civil Defense, although photographic evidence suggests the pier was lit, witnesses who survived the accident reported that it was completely dark at the time, creating confusion about the actual conditions during the collision. The incident occurred around 10 PM on Saturday, amid reports of rain, which may have further contributed to the visibility issues surrounding the pier. This draws into question the safety and operational standards of pier infrastructure in the region.

In the aftermath, the Minas Gerais Civil Police launched an investigation into the causes of the accident. Attempts to obtain commentary regarding the regulations governing piers in river areas from the Navy yielded no response. This accident highlights the critical importance of safety measures for recreational boating to prevent future tragedies, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of lighting and signage regulations on waterfront properties, particularly in hazardous weather conditions.