Tragedy on BR-230: Football Community Mourns Loss

A devastating series of accidents on BR-230 has left a community in mourning and a local football club grieving the loss of a beloved figure. The tragic events unfolded on the night of Sunday, January 18, between the municipalities of Cachoeirinha and São Bento do Tocantins.

The crash claimed the lives of three individuals and sent shockwaves through the region, particularly within the local sports community. The incident has since prompted official statements from law enforcement and municipal authorities.

According to information provided by the Polícia Militar, the sequence of events began with a collision between a truck and a motorcycle. Witnesses reported that a truck traveling in the direction of Cachoeirinha struck a motorcycle traveling in the opposite direction.

The motorcyclist, identified as Walison Lopes Reis, 29, died at the scene from his injuries. In the immediate aftermath, a car that was passing through the area stopped to render aid to the victim. A relative of the motorcyclist was already present at the location.

While this group was assisting the first victim, a second vehicle traveling toward Cachoeirinha struck the bystanders and fled the scene. This secondary collision resulted in two additional fatalities.

• First collision: Truck hits motorcycle
• Second collision: Vehicle hits bystanders
• Driver of second vehicle fled the scene

The three individuals who lost their lives in the accidents were identified as Silas Pereira dos Santos, 36; Walison Lopes Reis, 29; and José Edivan Cruz de Andrade, 41. Both Silas Pereira dos Santos and Walison Lopes Reis were residents of Cachoeirinha, while José Edivan Cruz de Andrade lived in Augustinópolis.

The death of Silas Pereira dos Santos carried a particular resonance for the local sports scene. He was the son of Célio, the massage therapist for the professional team at Bela Vista Futebol Cachoeirense.

Silas was described as a passionate football supporter and had previously worked as a goalkeeper coach for the club's under-20 and professional teams during past seasons. His connection to the team ran deep, and his loss is felt acutely by his colleagues and the wider club.

In the wake of the tragedy, the Bela Vista Futebol Cachoeirense club issued a public statement expressing their profound sorrow. The club highlighted Silas's dedication and the lasting impact he had on their organization.

"Seu trabalho e dedicação para o crescimento do clube jamais serão esquecidos." (His work and dedication to the growth of the club will never be forgotten.)

The Prefeitura de Cachoeirinha (Municipal Council of Cachoeirinha) also released a note of condolence, expressing solidarity with the families and friends of the victims. The statement acknowledged the deep pain felt by the community.

Another individual, a 25-year-old man who was part of the group assisting the first victim, sustained a leg fracture. He was transported to the Hospital de Augustinópolis for treatment.

Following the accidents, the area was secured to allow for forensic analysis. The Perícia Técnica (Technical Police) conducted their scientific work to determine the precise dynamics of the collisions.

Police officers initiated searches to locate the driver responsible for the second collision, who fled the scene. As of the time of the initial reports, the driver had not been apprehended.

The bodies of the deceased were released from the Instituto Médico Legal (IML) to their families following the completion of the necessary procedures.

The community of Cachoeirinha and the Bela Vista Futebol Cachoeirense club continue to process the sudden loss of three lives. The investigation remains active as authorities seek to locate the driver involved in the fatal hit-and-run.

This incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers present on the roads and the profound impact a single night can have on families, friends, and an entire community.