A serious traffic incident unfolded on the BR-040 highway in Três Rios, Rio de Janeiro, on Thursday night, resulting in injuries to four individuals. The collision occurred when a passenger vehicle struck a horse on the roadway, disrupting traffic and requiring an emergency response.
The accident took place at approximately 18:50 local time, near kilometer marker 15 of the highway. According to the concessionaire responsible for the road's administration, Elovias, the vehicle was traveling in the direction of Minas Gerais when the impact with the animal occurred.
Emergency services were promptly dispatched to the scene to assist the victims. The collision left four occupants of the vehicle with varying degrees of harm. Medical personnel evaluated and treated the injured parties at the site before arranging their transport to a medical facility.
Two women and one man sustained minor injuries in the crash. A fourth victim, a man, suffered injuries classified as moderate. All four individuals were subsequently taken to the Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição in Três Rios for further medical evaluation and care.
The presence of a horse on a major federal highway like the BR-040 raises questions about animal control and road safety in the region. Such incidents, while not uncommon in rural areas, highlight the potential dangers for motorists, especially during evening hours when visibility is reduced.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances that led to the horse being on the highway. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable hazards that can arise on Brazilian roads, requiring constant vigilance from drivers.
Based on reporting from g1.