URGENT UPDATE: A devastating car crash has claimed the lives of a family of four, including two young daughters, while they were driving home for Christmas in Brazil. The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of December 22, 2023, as Lucas Celestino Reis, 40, and his wife, Jéssica Silva da Hora, 35, were en route from Nova Serrana to Ibicuí.
The couple was excited for their youngest daughter, Ísis, just 3 years old, to meet family members for the first time. Tragically, their journey took a horrific turn when they lost control of their vehicle. Along with their daughters, Ana, aged 8, and Jéssica’s 19-year-old niece, Rayane Rebouças da Hora, were traveling in the same car.
Shortly after setting off, the family lost contact with another vehicle carrying relatives. Believing they might have returned home, Rayane’s father turned back, only to discover their absence. After hours of searching, police located the family’s car overturned in a stream beside the motorway. Authorities confirmed that all four individuals were found deceased inside.
Police suspect that Lucas lost control of the vehicle, leading it to cross the road, strike an embankment, and plunge into the stream. Parts of the car were submerged when discovered by rescuers.
Local media reported a heart-wrenching statement from Lucas’s sister, Lucimar:
“He was coming so we could meet his little daughter, whom we never even got to know. It was meant to be a Christmas full of joy. The whole family was waiting for him, with everything prepared. And then we received the bodies.”
The family was laid to rest in Ibicuí on December 24, 2023, amidst overwhelming grief and shock from the community.
This tragedy follows another horrific accident on Christmas Eve, where six individuals died in a separate crash involving two cars, one of which caught fire after the collision in Poland. Authorities reported that all six victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
As investigations continue into both incidents, the focus remains on the heart-wrenching impact these tragedies have on families and communities. The loss felt by loved ones is immeasurable, underscoring the urgent need for road safety as the holiday season continues.
Stay tuned for updates as authorities work to uncover more details surrounding these devastating events.
