A serious accident occurred on Sunday, April 6, 2025, when a truck carrying ethyl alcohol overturned and exploded on the BR-101 highway in Palhoça, Santa Catarina. The incident took place at approximately 1:37 PM, leading to a catastrophic fire that engulfed 22 cars and three trucks, resulting in significant injuries and extensive damage.
According to the Santa Catarina Department of Protection and Civil Defense, the overturned truck spilled its flammable cargo, which ignited and caused a chain reaction of fires affecting multiple vehicles. Five individuals suffered minor burns, primarily on their arms and legs, and were treated for their injuries.
The aftermath of the accident was severe, with the highway remaining closed for over eight hours. As of 8:40 PM on Sunday, the Arteris Litoral Sul, the highway's managing concessionaire, reported that traffic was backed up for 9 kilometers towards Curitiba and 10 kilometers towards Porto Alegre. The closure was a precautionary measure due to the ongoing fire and the complexities involved in safely removing the wreckage.
By Monday morning, April 7, the highway was reopened for traffic in both directions around 5:19 AM, although significant congestion remained, with reports of 11 kilometers of traffic jam in the area. The Police Rodoviária Federal (PRF) signaled a detour via SC-435, which passes through São Bonifácio, but drivers were cautioned about unpaved sections of the road. An alternative route is SC-281, which goes through Anitápolis.
The PRF confirmed that the reopening of the road was a complex operation, primarily due to the presence of hazardous materials at the accident site. Traffic remained slow as crews worked to ensure that all safety protocols were followed during the cleanup process.
Emergency response teams, including the PRF, Arteris, and the local fire department, collaborated closely to manage the situation effectively. Mário Hildebrandt, the Secretary of Protection and Civil Defense of Santa Catarina, emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among various agencies, stating, “From the very first moment, our team was on-site with other security forces to ensure that all actions were coordinated efficiently, minimizing risks to the public and providing prompt assistance to those involved in the accident.”
The situation was complicated further by the need to manage the hazardous materials involved. The Ambipar Response team, specializing in chemical emergency management, was on-site to oversee the safe removal of the alcohol from the overturned truck. This process faced challenges due to the remaining fuel in the truck's tanks, necessitating careful handling to prevent further incidents.
As the investigation into the cause of the accident continues, authorities have reiterated the need for heightened caution in critical areas like Morro dos Cavalos, where the accident occurred. The PRF has advised drivers to seek alternative routes and to remain vigilant while navigating through affected areas.
In summary, the accident on the BR-101 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with transporting hazardous materials. It highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and the need for effective communication among response teams when dealing with such incidents. The collaboration between various agencies underscores the commitment to ensuring public safety during emergencies.
