Gravel truck carrying stone block overturns on Via Dutra, injuring driver
A truck carrying a large stone block overturned late Sunday, November 5th, on the Via Dutra (BR-116) highway in Resende, Rio de Janeiro. The accident occurred around kilometer 334 in the Engenheiro Passos district. According to the Federal Highway Police (PRF), the driver lost control while navigating a curve, leading to the vehicle's rollover. The impact caused the multi-ton dolomite block to strike and destroy the central median barrier. A portion of the stone broke off and fell onto the lane heading towards São Paulo. However, the majority of the block landed on the lanes directed towards Rio de Janeiro, resulting in a partial closure of that section while emergency services attended to the scene. The driver was trapped in the wreckage of the cabin and was rescued by highway concessionaire personnel. He was transported to the Resende Emergency Hospital, but his current condition has not been disclosed.
This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with transporting heavy, oversized cargo on major roadways. The driver's loss of control, leading to the truck overturning and the stone block impacting the median, underscores the critical importance of vehicle stability, road design, and driver vigilance when handling such loads. The resulting debris on the highway posed a significant safety hazard, necessitating traffic disruption. Future considerations for logistics and infrastructure may involve enhanced safety protocols for oversized transport, potentially including specialized route planning, stricter speed limits for such vehicles, and improved median barriers designed to withstand significant impact, thereby mitigating the cascading effects of accidents and ensuring public safety.
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