Tragic accident in Rio de Janeiro kills couple from Ceará after truck falls on viaduct in Barra
A couple from Ceará lost their lives after the vehicle they were in fell off the Joatinga Viaduct, falling into the sea in the Barra da Tijuca region, in Rio de Janeiro. The incident happened last Wednesday night (24), leaving the truck completely submerged.
The victims were identified as Jailton Rodrigues da Silva, aged 45, known as “Jota”, born in Tamboril, and Maria Cecília Ribeiro Sampaio, aged 30, born in Boa Viagem. Both cities are in the interior of the state of Ceará.
One of the rescuers involved in the care reported that, upon arriving at the scene of the accident, the agents found the occupants still trapped inside the car.
The rescue operation was particularly challenging, as the victims were inside the vehicle, which was under water and in the dark of night. Conditions such as these significantly complicate rescue actions in aquatic environments.
After being removed from the water, Jailton and Maria Cecília were taken to Lourenço Jorge Municipal Hospital. The man arrived at the unit dead, while Maria Cecília was admitted to the Intensive Care Center (CTI), where she died this Friday morning (26).
The Rio de Janeiro Civil Police reported that the circumstances that led to the fatal accident are under investigation. The case is being investigated by the 16th Police District, located in Barra da Tijuca.
The corporation stated that its agents are taking steps to clarify all the details of the facts that resulted in the tragedy.
The vehicle involved in the accident was removed from the water on Thursday, with the help of a winch, which lifted the truck onto the road.
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Expressions of grief for the loss of the couple
Before Maria Cecília’s death, her sister, professor Débora Ribeiro, had made a post on a social network requesting prayers for the young woman’s recovery.
After the sad confirmation of the death, Débora shared messages of tribute and condolences sent by family and friends of Maria Cecília, who leaves behind a three-year-old son.
The Adília Maria School, Débora’s place of work, issued a note of condolence for the loss of the teacher’s sister.
In the message, the institution expressed: “It is with great sadness that we received the news of the death of Maria Cecília Ribeiro Sampaio, sister of our teacher Débora. We express our most sincere condolences to her family and friends, hoping that they will find comfort in overcoming this great loss.”
Cecília’s family lives in the district of Guia, approximately 39 kilometers from the headquarters of Boa Viagem. The Parish of Nossa Senhora da Guia also paid tribute, expressing its opinion on the death of its countrywoman.
The parish in the district of Guia published: “May the Resurrected Christ, our hope, welcome Maria Cecília in his infinite mercy and grant his family and friends the strength of faith and prayer.”
