Fuel Truck Overturns Causing Major Fire On BR-101

On Sunday, April 6, 2025, a truck carrying fuel overturned on the BR-101 highway in Palhoça, located in the Grande Florianópolis region. The incident occurred at approximately 14:00 local time, specifically at km 233, in the Morro dos Cavalos area. This accident resulted in an explosion and a significant fire, causing both directions of the highway to be completely blocked, as reported by the Federal Highway Police (PRF).

The overturned truck, which was heading towards Curitiba, caused immediate chaos as flames engulfed numerous vehicles nearby. Eyewitnesses reported hearing explosions shortly after the truck overturned, with the fire quickly spreading to at least 22 cars and two trucks. The Civil Defense of Palhoça later updated this figure, stating that around 25 cars and four trucks were affected by the flames.

Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, with the Fire Department of Santa Catarina and the highway concessionaire, Arteris Litoral Sul, working diligently to control the situation. According to the Fire Department, five individuals sustained burns on their upper and lower limbs, including the truck driver and his wife, as well as three other motorists who were on the highway at the time of the incident. All injured parties were transported to the UPA of Pinheira for medical treatment.

The PRF confirmed that traffic was completely halted in both directions due to the ongoing risk of fire spreading further. This blockage caused significant congestion, with reports indicating a buildup of nine kilometers towards Paraná and ten kilometers towards Rio Grande do Sul. Motorists caught in the traffic were advised to remain in place until the situation was resolved.

As the fire raged, the visibility in the Morro dos Cavalos area diminished due to thick smoke, making the scene even more perilous. Aerial footage captured by the Arcanjo 01 aircraft from the Fire Department provided a clear view of the extensive damage caused by the blaze.

Witnesses described the truck as appearing uncontrollable before it toppled onto the roadway. Preliminary investigations suggest that the accident may have been triggered by diesel fuel on the road, although the exact cause remains under investigation.

By around 15:00, firefighters had managed to partially control the fire, but it continued to pose a threat as it spread to the surrounding vegetation. The area remained cordoned off due to the risk of further explosions and the need for the truck's removal.

Images shared on social media depicted the dramatic scenes, with flames and smoke dominating the landscape. The PRF and Arteris Litoral Sul encouraged drivers to avoid the affected route and to follow updates through their social media channels.

As of now, there are no fatalities reported from this tragic accident, but the situation underscores the dangers associated with transporting hazardous materials on busy highways. Authorities are continuing to monitor the area and manage the aftermath of the incident.

While the immediate threat has been addressed, the investigation into the cause of the accident will continue, with traffic expected to remain disrupted until the highway can be safely cleared and reopened.