Truck brake tampering causes fatal pileup on BR-277

A multi-vehicle pileup on the BR-277 highway in Morretes, Paraná, resulted in two deaths and five serious injuries. The accident occurred when a bitrem truck carrying timber collided with two other trucks and seven cars while descending a mountain pass.

Following an inspection, the Federal Highway Police (PRF) discovered that the truck's braking system had been tampered with. Specifically, at least two brake system hoses were “isolated,” a practice that leaves certain wheels without braking power and overloads the remaining ones.

The driver of the truck has been detained and handed over to the Civil Police. Authorities are currently investigating whether the manipulation of the brakes was an intentional act or the result of maintenance negligence. The incident caused significant traffic disruptions, with congestion reaching 26 kilometers in one direction.