Treze de Maio councilor dies in fatal potato load accident

Nivaldo Magagnin, a 63-year-old city councilor for the MDB in Treze de Maio, Santa Catarina, died following a workplace accident on Wednesday morning. Magagnin, widely known as ‘Nivaldo da Batata’, was working at his own potato processing and commercialization company when the incident occurred.

According to the Urussanga Military Fire Department, a ‘big bag’ containing approximately one ton of potatoes was suspended about two meters above the ground when the steel cable supporting the load snapped. The falling weight struck Magagnin, reportedly pinning him against the floor. Although no external injuries were immediately apparent, he did not survive.

The Civil Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of death and whether the accident was caused by equipment failure, lack of maintenance, or other factors. Forensic teams and the Medical Legal Institute (IML) have conducted analyses to assist in the inquiry. The local government of Treze de Maio has declared three days of official mourning in honor of the late councilor.