On Sunday afternoon, April 6, 2025, a catastrophic accident occurred on the BR-101 highway in Palhoça, Santa Catarina, when a tanker truck loaded with ethanol overturned and exploded, igniting a massive fire that engulfed 25 vehicles and left five people injured. The incident unfolded around 1:37 PM at kilometer 233, a notoriously perilous section known as Morro dos Cavalos, which is characterized by sharp curves and heavy traffic.
The aftermath of the accident was devastating. The flames spread rapidly, consuming 21 cars and three trucks in addition to the tanker itself. Eyewitnesses reported a scene of chaos, with explosions echoing through the area as the fire raged. One driver described the moment as "something out of a movie," highlighting the panic that ensued as people fled their vehicles to escape the encroaching flames.
Emergency services, including approximately 36 firefighters from various municipalities, rushed to the scene to combat the fire and assist the injured. By 5:00 AM on Monday, April 7, the highway was reopened after more than 16 hours of closure, but significant traffic delays persisted, with queues extending up to 18 kilometers in both directions.
The driver of the tanker, a 31-year-old man, and his 26-year-old girlfriend suffered severe burns, with 30% and 20% of their bodies affected, respectively. They were transported to the Emergency Care Unit (UPA) of Pinheira for treatment. Three additional victims, who also sustained burns and smoke inhalation, received immediate medical attention from the highway concessionaire's ambulance service.
According to the Arteris Litoral Sul, the concessionaire managing the highway, the complexity of the incident was exacerbated by the presence of flammable materials, which made the firefighting efforts more challenging. The fuel spilled onto the road, creating a hazardous environment that required meticulous handling during the cleanup process. By midnight, an environmental management company began transferring the remaining ethanol from the damaged tanker to another vehicle.
As the investigation into the cause of the accident commenced, the Polícia Rodoviária Federal (PRF) noted that the truck's tachograph, which records vehicle speed, was destroyed in the fire. This loss complicates the investigation, as authorities will need to rely on physical evidence and witness accounts to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash. The PRF has classified the incident as "complex," indicating that a thorough analysis will take time.
Prior to the accident, the BR-101 had already been a focal point for safety concerns due to its history of accidents, particularly in the Morro dos Cavalos area. This stretch of road has seen numerous incidents over the years, attributed to its challenging topography and high traffic volume, including heavy trucks. In January 2025, another accident involving a truck carrying hazardous materials occurred nearby, further raising alarms about the safety of transporting dangerous goods on such routes.
In light of this latest incident, there are growing calls for enhanced safety measures on the BR-101. Suggestions include installing more robust physical barriers, imposing restrictions on the transport of hazardous materials during peak traffic times, and increasing inspections of heavy vehicles. The local community and authorities are now grappling with the implications of this accident, not only for safety but also for the economic impact on the region.
The closure of the highway had significant repercussions for local commerce and transportation. Many truck drivers reported delays in deliveries, affecting supply chains for essential goods in the southern states of Brazil. Residents of nearby towns faced difficulties accessing services, and alternate routes became congested as motorists sought to bypass the affected area.
As the dust settles from this tragic event, the focus shifts to the ongoing investigation and the potential for policy changes aimed at preventing similar accidents in the future. The incident has highlighted the risks associated with transporting flammable materials on busy highways, prompting discussions about regulatory improvements and infrastructure investments to enhance safety for all road users.
In the meantime, the community continues to rally around the victims, offering support and solidarity as they recover from their injuries. The quick response from emergency services is being praised, and while no fatalities occurred, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers present on the roads.
