A major traffic incident involving two semi-trucks and a box truck has left three people with serious injuries and shut down a key stretch of BR-381 in João Monlevade, Minas Gerais, Brazil, on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
According to authorities, the collision occurred around kilometer 356, between the Cascata restaurant and the Cinco Estrelas service station. The highway remains closed with no estimated time for reopening.
Federal Highway Police (PRF) reported that one of the semi-trucks was carrying cattle, while the other was transporting a “dangerous product,” the exact nature of which has not yet been disclosed. Officials likewise noted a significant oil spill along the roadway.
Nova 381, the concessionaire responsible for maintaining the highway, confirmed to local media that three individuals were injured in the crash and that congestion stretches approximately 3.7 miles in both directions. The incident is causing significant disruption to travel in the region.
Firefighters are on scene and are utilizing a helicopter, dubbed Arcanjo, to assist with the rescue operation. Rescuers were able to extract the driver of the box truck, who was conscious. Firefighters are working to free the two semi-truck drivers who remain trapped inside their vehicles, with one driver pinned beneath the cab of his truck.
The collision was described as a head-on impact of significant force, resulting in extensive damage to both trucks. Fire officials estimate that five head of cattle died in the crash, with at least one animal escaping onto the highway, causing further delays for motorists. Follow our WhatsApp channel for relevant news
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