A tragic accident occurred in Governador Valadares, Brazil, where a 69-year-old woman lost her life and another 44-year-old woman sustained serious injuries after being hit by a truck on the MGC-259 highway. The incident took place in the morning hours on Wednesday, September 25th, at kilometer 223 of the state road, where the victims were reportedly walking along the roadside. They were heading towards a field for work when they were struck by a truck towing a semi-trailer loaded with granite stones, which was traveling from Diamantina to Cachoeiro de Itapemirim.

The immediate response from local authorities was swift; the police reported that the elderly woman succumbed to her injuries at the scene, while the younger victim required urgent medical attention. She was transported by the emergency service (Samu) to the Municipal Hospital of Governador Valadares, where she is receiving treatment for her serious injuries. Initial findings indicated that the truck driver, who had been involved in the incident, underwent a breathalyzer test which showed no alcohol consumption, eliminating concerns about drunk driving as a contributing factor to the accident.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding pedestrian safety along highways in Brazil, particularly in rural or less populated areas where foot traffic may not be expected. Authorities are expected to review safety measures and road signage in the affected area to prevent such tragic events from occurring in the future, emphasizing the need for better protection for pedestrians sharing roads with heavy vehicles, especially in rural districts such as Goiabal in Governador Valadares.