Two pilgrims were killed and three were injured on Tuesday night (8), on the Presidente Dutra Highway (BR-116), when they were heading to the National Sanctuary of Aparecida. One of the victims was retired Riberto Ferreira, 65 years old, resident of São José dos Campos, who was run over near Pindamonhangaba.
Next Saturday (12), the Day of Our Lady of Aparecida, patron saint of Brazil, is celebrated, which leads thousands of faithful to make a pilgrimage to the city of Aparecida, in the Paraíba Valley, where the sanctuary is located.
According to the Federal Highway Police, the vehicle responsible for the collision has not yet been identified. It is possible that the victim’s dark clothing, in addition to the lack of lighting on the road, contributed to the accident.
The other death, also due to being run over, was that of a 51-year-old pilgrim, still unidentified, near Santa Isabel, in the metropolitan region of São Paulo. In the same accident, two other worshipers were injured. At around 8pm a bus hit the group, who were walking near km 188 of the highway.
According to the bus driver’s report, the difficulty in spotting the group in time did not allow the vehicle to be braked in time to avoid the disaster. The bus had regular documentation, and the driver was subjected to a breathalyzer test, which did not indicate the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
In both cases, the victims did not wear reflective vests, as advised by the Federal Police. In addition to wearing a reflective vest, the corporation also recommends that pilgrims avoid walking during this period and follow the pilgrimage in single file.
