The BR-262 highway in Brazil was reopened at 4 PM on Friday after being closed for approximately 10 hours following an accident involving two trucks. The incident occurred around 6:30 AM at kilometer 160 of the highway, leading to a complete blockage of the lane. By 11:30 AM, traffic began to flow in a 'stop-and-go' manner, but with intermittent halts to remove vehicles and debris from the road. The lengthy closure caused a traffic jam extending to about 12 kilometers, significantly impacting travelers in the region.

According to the Federal Highway Police (PRF), two drivers were rescued from the scene in serious condition following the collision, though their identities have not been disclosed. One of the trucks involved overturned and caught fire, emphasizing the severity of the incident. The vehicles in question were nine-axle trucks, one of which was transporting cellulose while the other was an empty dump truck. The drivers, both around 40 years old, faced critical injuries, with one being taken to a hospital by a passing motorist.

This accident highlights ongoing concerns regarding road safety for heavy vehicles in Brazil, especially on highways that experience high volumes of traffic. The PRF continues to investigate the exact causes of the crash, which could lead to potential recommendations for improving safety protocols on major routes. As such incidents can create widespread disruptions, the situation underscores the need for attention to both infrastructure and driver safety training to mitigate future risks.