A serious accident on the Linha Vermelha in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, May 5, 2025, left at least four people injured and caused significant traffic disruptions. The collision, which involved a bus, five cars, and two motorcycles, occurred around 3:00 PM in the direction of Baixada Fluminense, near Ilha do Fundão. Eyewitness reports indicated that the crash resulted in at least one vehicle rolling over.
According to the Centro de Operações Rio, the expressway was closed in the section following Ilha do Fundão, leading to a complete halt of traffic in that area. Emergency services, including the Corpo de Bombeiros and the Companhia de Engenharia de Tráfego (CET-Rio), were dispatched to the scene to assist with the injured and manage the traffic situation.
By 5:00 PM, two lanes had been opened, but traffic remained heavily congested, with backups reported from Caju to Galeão Airport. To alleviate the situation, a detour was established directing vehicles to the Ponte Velha do Galeão and Avenida Brigadeiro Trompowski, particularly near the Terminal de Cargas.
In terms of injuries, reports indicated that two women sustained minor injuries, while two men suffered moderate injuries. One couple was taken to Hospital Estadual Getúlio Vargas in Penha, and the other was transported to Hospital Municipal Evandro Freire on Ilha do Governador.
As the investigation into the cause of the accident continues, traffic authorities have advised motorists to utilize Avenida Brasil as an alternative route to avoid the closed section of the Linha Vermelha. The situation has caused significant delays not only on the Linha Vermelha but also affected surrounding roads, including the Linha Amarela and Avenida Brasil, where slow traffic was reported.
Drivers are being urged to remain cautious and follow the directions of traffic management teams on-site. The Centro de Operações Rio tweeted updates, advising drivers to steer clear of the affected areas until further notice.
The severity of the accident has raised concerns about road safety in the region, prompting calls for increased vigilance among drivers and better traffic management during peak hours. Officials have not yet released specific details regarding the accident's cause, but investigations are ongoing.
As the cleanup and recovery efforts continue, local authorities are working to restore normal traffic flow and ensure the safety of all road users. The public is reminded to stay informed through official channels regarding traffic updates and safety advisories.
