The driver responsible for a runaway truck incident in Chapecó, Brazil, which injured ten people, has been charged with 20 counts of attempted homicide.
In Chapecó, West Santa Catarina, a truck driver has been formally charged with 20 counts of attempted homicide following a serious incident in late January where his out-of-control vehicle struck multiple cars, injuring 10 individuals. This development was confirmed by the Justice Tribunal on Wednesday. The Public Ministry of Santa Catarina (MPSC) presented evidence that the driver was aware of the poor mechanical condition of the truck yet chose to continue driving, leading to the grave consequences of the incident.
The MPSC filed the charges after the court accepted the indictment on March 26, with details indicating that the truck driver would potentially face severe civil repercussions as well. Apart from the criminal charges, the MPSC has demanded the payment of R$ 971,370 for material damages and an additional R$ 100,000 for moral damages to be paid to each of the 20 occupants in the affected vehicles. Such financial claims highlight not only the seriousness of driver negligence but also the lasting impact on the victims involved in the accident.
The accident itself happened on the busy Avenida Fernando Machado, one of Chapecó's main roads, on January 30. Subsequent investigations concluded on March 20. While the driver’s identity has not been publicly disclosed, this case reflects significant concerns around road safety in the region, especially concerning drivers who ignore essential vehicle upkeep that could prevent dangerous incidents like this one.
