José Gomes, who served as the mayor of Cariri do Tocantins, passed away at the age of 71 due to a traffic accident on Thursday, September 12. The accident occurred at kilometer 758.7 on the BR-153 near Alvorada, in the southern part of the state. According to the Federal Highway Police (PRF), a truck suddenly braked on the highway, leading to a collision with another truck in which Gomes was a passenger. At the time of the accident, it was raining in the region. Emergency services rushed Gomes to the hospital following the accident, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the truck that caused the accident was unharmed. The PRF has indicated that the investigation into the accident is ongoing, focusing on the reasons for the sudden braking. The local community is mourning the loss of Gomes, who had a significant impact on the region during his time in office. The City Hall of Cariri do Tocantins expressed their condolences, highlighting Gomes's extensive political career, which included not only his term as mayor but also four terms as a city councilor. Members of the community and local officials are coming together to honor his legacy, and arrangements are being made for his funeral once the medical examination by the Legal Medical Institute is complete. This tragic incident underscores the ongoing concerns regarding road safety and the risks involved with heavy vehicles on Brazilian highways.