Fatal Accident on BR-135 in Minas Gerais Highlights Major Safety Concerns

A tragic incident occurred this past Sunday, June 28, 2026, on the BR-135 highway near Bocaiuva, in the northern region of Minas Gerais. The accident, which claimed the life of a 51-year-old man, has once again brought critical attention to safety conditions along this major transit corridor. The victim, identified as Marcelo Soares da Silva, was struck by a heavy transport vehicle while attempting to enter his parked truck.

Tragic Accident Highlights Safety Risks on BR-135

According to preliminary reports from the Military Police, Marcelo Soares da Silva had pulled his vehicle over onto the shoulder of the BR-135. Witnesses and the involved truck driver indicated that the victim was attempting to board his vehicle when he opened the door suddenly into the traffic flow. The passing carrier inadvertently struck the open door, subsequently hitting the victim, who suffered fatal injuries and was declared deceased at the scene.

The driver of the transport vehicle, a 38-year-old man, remained at the location to cooperate with authorities. Following standard protocols, he underwent a breathalyzer test, which yielded negative results for alcohol consumption. Both vehicles involved in the incident were found to have regular documentation, and the case has now been referred to the Civil Police for a thorough investigation into the specific circumstances surrounding the collision.

In addition to the human loss, the incident resulted in the death of several birds that were being transported in the victim’s truck, which had reportedly been returning from a regional tournament. Local acquaintances of the victim assisted in securing the surviving animals following the tragedy.

Legal Precedents for Highway Safety and Liability

The safety of the BR-135 has remained a point of public discourse due to recent legal developments involving infrastructure maintenance. In a separate, unrelated case, the justice system in Minas Gerais recently upheld a decision requiring the concessionaire responsible for the highway to pay approximately R$ 60,000 in damages. This ruling stemmed from an incident where a vehicle struck cattle that had wandered onto the roadway due to a lack of adequate fencing and safety barriers.

The court emphasized that concessionaires managing public roads bear a significant responsibility to ensure safe traffic conditions, including effective monitoring and the prevention of animal access to the tracks. These developments highlight the ongoing challenges of managing safety on heavily used rural highways. Authorities continue to urge drivers to exercise extreme caution when stopping on highway shoulders and to remain vigilant regarding potential hazards on the roadway to prevent further fatal incidents.