A major traffic incident has brought a key Brazilian highway to a standstill. A truck loaded with various gas cylinders overturned and burst into flames on the morning of Friday, May 8th, on the BR-040 highway near Juiz de Fora.
The accident occurred at approximately 11:40 AM at kilometer marker 773. According to the highway concessionaire, EPR Via Mineira, the vehicle was transporting 92 cylinders containing oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, acetylene, and carbon dioxide. The resulting fire completely consumed the truck.
Despite the severity of the blaze and the hazardous cargo, authorities have confirmed there are no reported injuries from the incident. Emergency response teams were quickly mobilized to the scene, including inspection units, ambulances, water tankers, and tow trucks from the concessionaire.
The Federal Highway Police (PRF) and the Fire Department are also actively managing the situation. The accident has caused a total interdiction of the BR-040 in both directions, effectively halting all traffic through the affected area.
As of noon on Friday, there was no estimated time for the highway to be reopened. Significant traffic congestion has built up in the vicinity, and the location has been properly marked with warning signs.
Motorists who need to travel through this stretch of the BR-040, particularly near kilometer 770, are advised to exercise extreme caution or to seek alternative routes to avoid the area entirely. The situation remains under active management by emergency services.
Based on reporting from g1.