In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the community of São Caetano do Sul, two 18-year-old women lost their lives after being struck by a car while crossing a pedestrian walkway. The accident occurred late on the night of April 9, 2025, around 11:00 PM on Avenida Goiás, a major thoroughfare in the Santo Antônio neighborhood.
The victims, identified as Isabela Priel Regis and Isabelli Helena De Lima Costa, were reportedly returning home from a local wine shop when the devastating collision took place. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the young women were engaged in conversation and did not notice the approaching vehicle, which was traveling at high speed. The impact was so severe that both were thrown over 50 meters from the point of collision.
The driver of the car, a 26-year-old law student named Brendo dos Santos Sampaio, admitted to being “a little above the speed limit” at the time of the accident, which occurred as the traffic light was changing from green to yellow. Although a breathalyzer test conducted on the driver returned negative for alcohol, a counter-test is pending at the Instituto Médico Legal (IML), as reported by the police.
Witnesses have claimed that the Honda Civic driven by Sampaio appeared to be racing against another vehicle, a white Onix, just moments before the tragic event. One witness described how the Honda Civic was speeding and seemed to be participating in an informal race, accelerating rapidly when the light turned green.
This incident has sparked outrage and grief within the local community, as both victims were beloved students with bright futures ahead of them. Isabelli was set to begin a new job as a young apprentice at a supermarket on April 14, just days after her untimely death. Her mother expressed her heartbreak, stating, "They were inseparable friends who had just finished high school together. Isabelli was excited to start her new job, but now she will never have that chance. They went out to celebrate and never came home."
Isabela's father, Marcos Antônio dos Santos Régis, shared his devastation, saying, "She was the happiest person in our family. It’s like a piece of my heart has been ripped out. How can we live without her?" He also questioned the circumstances of the accident, expressing disbelief that the driver did not see them crossing the street.
The police are continuing their investigation into the incident, which has been officially recorded at the 1st Police District of São Caetano. Authorities have begun analyzing surveillance footage from the area, which reportedly shows the moments leading up to the collision. The Secretary of Public Security of São Paulo has stated that they will pursue all evidence thoroughly.
Local residents have taken to social media to express their condolences and share their outrage over the incident. Many have called for stricter enforcement of speed limits and greater safety measures for pedestrians in the area, highlighting that reckless driving and street racing have become common occurrences on Avenida Goiás.
The tragedy of Isabela and Isabelli serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers posed by speeding and reckless driving. As the investigation unfolds, families and friends of the victims hope for justice and a commitment from local authorities to improve road safety.
As the community mourns the loss of these two young women, it also reflects on the need for increased awareness about pedestrian safety and the responsibilities of drivers on the road. This heartbreaking incident has not only claimed lives but has also shattered families and left a community grappling with grief.
In the wake of this tragedy, the local government has expressed its condolences and is expected to hold discussions on implementing better traffic control measures. The families of the victims have been approached by legal representatives of the driver, who has expressed a desire to support them during this difficult time.
As São Caetano do Sul prepares for the funeral services for Isabela and Isabelli, the community is reminded that every life lost to reckless driving is a life that could have been saved. The hope is that this incident will lead to a renewed commitment to road safety, ensuring that such a tragedy does not repeat itself.
