On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, a tragic incident occurred at Campo Limpo station on the Line 5-Lilás metro in São Paulo, resulting in the death of a 35-year-old passenger, identified as Lourivaldo Ferreira Silva Nepomuceno. The accident unfolded around 8:00 AM, a time notorious for heavy commuter traffic, when the victim became trapped between the train doors and the platform as the train departed.
According to reports, the incident was captured on security cameras, showing a typical rush hour scenario where passengers were boarding the train. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the train began to move with the victim stuck in the gap between the platform door and the train door. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the alarms signaling the closing of the doors were activated, yet the victim attempted to board the train, leading to the fatal accident.
In a statement, ViaMobilidade, the company responsible for managing the Line 5-Lilás, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. "It is with profound regret that ViaMobilidade announces the death of a passenger today around 8 AM at Campo Limpo station. Despite all visual and audible alarms, the passenger tried to enter the train and ended up trapped between the doors," the statement read.
The company further indicated that efforts were underway to identify the victim, who reportedly did not have any identification on him at the time of the accident. As the news of the incident spread, many passengers took to social media to express their shock and fear, with some stating that they witnessed the aftermath of the tragedy firsthand.
Compounding the distress, reports emerged that there were no security personnel present at the time of the accident who could have intervened to prevent the train from departing. This absence of security has raised concerns regarding passenger safety during peak hours when the platforms are often overcrowded.
After the accident, train operations on the Line 5-Lilás were temporarily slowed, with trains experiencing delays of over ten minutes. Commuters at stations like Santo Amaro reported significant overcrowding, with many opting to abandon their journeys due to the lengthy wait times. At 8:15 AM, ViaMobilidade issued a notice confirming that the presence of a person on the tracks caused the reduced speed and increased stop times.
This incident is not isolated; it follows a previous occurrence in March 2025, where a woman was trapped between the safety door and the train at Vila Prudente station on Line 2-Verde but fortunately escaped without injury. Such incidents have sparked discussions about the safety measures in place across the metro system.
Luis Kolle, president of the Association of Engineers and Architects of the Metro (AEAMESP), commented on the incident, stating that while the passenger's actions were inappropriate, there was a systemic failure. "The train should not have been able to depart with someone trapped. There should be a sensor in place to detect such situations," Kolle emphasized. He stressed the importance of improving safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As investigations continue, ViaMobilidade is cooperating with authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to ensure that all safety protocols are reviewed and reinforced. The company has faced scrutiny in the past over operational issues, and this latest tragedy has intensified calls for accountability and improvements in safety measures.
In light of this incident, passengers are urged to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to safety guidelines while using the metro system. The importance of respecting the designated safety zones on platforms, especially during peak hours, cannot be overstated.
The aftermath of this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for enhanced safety measures within public transportation systems. As investigations proceed, the hope is that lessons will be learned to prevent future incidents and to protect the safety of all commuters.
