What began as a routine trip for medical care ended in heartbreak for a family from Várzea Alegre, leaving the Cariri region of Ceará, Brazil, in deep mourning. On the morning of Sunday, July 16, a tragic accident along the CE-060 highway resulted in the loss of three family members: three-year-old Miguel Nascimento Gomes, his father Sebastião Cícero Gomes, and his mother Hérida Nascimento da Silva.
The family was on their way to Juazeiro do Norte for a medical procedure intended to support Miguel’s health. The drive, typically just over an hour, was one the family had likely taken before. However, their vehicle tragically left the road near Sítio Piripiri around 7 a.m. and ended up in a nearby river.
Authorities from the Ceará Military Fire Department responded to the scene. According to reports, the vehicle was found submerged in water approximately five meters deep. Emergency teams recovered the family, and investigations are underway to determine what may have caused the vehicle to veer off the road. Possible factors being considered include road conditions or mechanical issues.
This incident has renewed attention on road safety in the region, particularly along the CE-060—a route heavily relied upon by residents for travel to major towns and hospitals. Local officials are reviewing the case, and many community members are calling for improvements to infrastructure and signage.
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