Three young soldiers die in serious accident on BR-116 in São Leopoldo (RS)
Two survivors are hospitalized in serious condition. Civil Police are investigating the causes of the collision.
247 - Three soldiers from the 18th Motorized Infantry Battalion, from Sapucaia do Sul, died in the early hours of this Wednesday (13) in a car accident on BR-116, in São Leopoldo, in the Metropolitan Region of Porto Alegre, reports the g1.
The victims were identified as Eduardo Hoffmeister, 19 years old, Davi Adrian da Silva, 18 years old, and Vitor Golfetto, 19 years old. They were traveling to the battalion to participate in a change of command ceremony at the Southern Military Command (CMS), scheduled to take place at 10:30 am at the headquarters of the 3rd Cavalry Guard Regiment in Porto Alegre.
The vehicle, with license plates from Campo Bom, was also carrying Leopoldo dos Santos Staudt, 19, and Jailson dos Santos Gomes, 19, who survived but were thrown from the car during the collision. Both were taken in serious condition to the Centenário Hospital in São Leopoldo.
Investigation and expertise
According to Detective André Serrão, from the 3rd Regional Police Station (DPPA) of São Leopoldo, the case is being treated as manslaughter, when there is no intent to kill. The Civil Police requested toxicological and blood alcohol tests for all occupants.
The accident occurred around 4 a.m., when the car crashed into the highway's guardrail. The exact circumstances are still being investigated.
Official statement from the Army
In a statement, the 18th Motorized Infantry Battalion declared:
"The Command of the 18th Motorized Infantry Battalion informs, with immense regret, that five soldiers from the Battalion were involved in a car accident at approximately 4:00 AM this Wednesday on the BR-116 highway in São Leopoldo. The vehicle collided with the highway's guardrail, and three soldiers died: Soldiers Eduardo Hoffmeister, Davi Adrian da Silva, and Vitor Golfetto. The other two soldiers, Soldiers Leopoldo dos Santos Staudt and Jailson dos Santos, suffered injuries and were evacuated to the Emergency Room of the Centenário Hospital in São Leopoldo. The Army regrets the incident and informs that it is providing assistance to the family."
The institution emphasized that it is monitoring the case and will provide full support to the victims' families.
