At least three pilgrims died after being run over while heading to the National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Aparecida along the Presidente Dutra highway last week. One of them, a 76-year-old cyclist, was run over by a bus in the Jacareí (SP) section, in the early hours of this Friday (11). According to the Federal Highway Police (PRF), the accident was recorded at around 3:30 am, at kilometer 167, towards Rio de Janeiro.
Witnesses said he lost control of the bike and, as he entered the lane, fell and was hit by the bus. The driver stopped to provide assistance. The bus, which was tourist and also went to Aparecida, was in good condition and the driver had not consumed alcohol.
The other two cases occurred on Tuesday night (8). The first accident was recorded in the Santa Isabel section, where a 51-year-old pilgrim died and two others, aged 27, were injured after being run over by a bus. Later, in the Pindamonhangaba section, a 65-year-old man who was also heading to Aparecida died after being run over by another vehicle.
The movement on the lanes and shoulders of the Presidente Dutra highway increases every year around the October 12th holiday. According to the Federal Highway Police (PRF), more than 35 thousand pilgrims are expected this year.
