São Luís traffic deaths rise 220% following fatal accident

A fatal traffic accident in São Luís has sparked protests as local data reveals a 220% increase in traffic-related deaths during the first seven months of 2026. The incident occurred on October 3 on Avenida Daniel de La Touche, when a Fiat Argo attempted an illegal U-turn and collided with another vehicle.

Seventeen-year-old Victor Maximus Vitoriano Almeida died at the scene, and a 19-year-old was seriously injured. Family members allege the driver of the Fiat Argo failed to provide assistance following the crash. The Civil Police of Maranhão have identified the driver, and the Traffic Accident Police Station is currently investigating the case pending forensic results.