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Diogo Jota, his brother and a friend were killed in a car crash on the A-52 highway.
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Just over a week ago, the world was shaken by the devastating news that Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva had died in a car accident on Spain’s A-52 highway, in the province of Zamora.
The brothers were reportedly travelling in a Lamborghini Huracan rented from a rental company to Santander to catch a ferry heading for England when the vehicle went off the road. It then burst into fire.
Both Diogo Jota (28) and his brother André Silva (26) had died in the accident, leaving their families and millions of fans around the world in mourning.
Eyewitness: ‘Diogo Jota was driving at a moderate speed!’
Spanish authorities’ initial reports indicated that excessive speed is the likely culprit. The Guardia Civil conducted a preliminary analysis and concluded that “all signs indicate speeding.” They also cited tire marks which are still being examined.
In the days that have followed, however, a new version of events, not told by investigators but by those present, has begun to emerge.
Portuguese truck driver José Aleixo Duarte, who spoke to Portuguese outlet Correio de ManhãThe Lamborghini had overtaken him minutes before the crash, he said. Duarte, contrary to the official suggestion, insisted that the vehicle passed him at “A moderate pace”
José Aleixo Duarte also noted the “poor condition” The A-52 is a road that many Portuguese use to travel towards northern Spain or France.
They were driving in a calm manner, witnesses claim
Another man, José Azevedo, who captured footage of the Lamborghini engulfed in flames later that night, also offered testimony. In a post that was emotional on social media he detailed how he had tried to help after the accident.
Azevedo wrote: “I stopped, I tried my best to help.” Unfortunately, I couldn’t do anything. “My deepest condolences go out to the family.”
Azevedo even went on to refute the claim that Jota’s brother and he were speeding.
“The family has heard my word” The driver did not speed up. They drove very calmly. Every day from Monday to Saturday, I drive on this road. I know the stretch of road well and have seen some outrageous things, but other drivers were driving calmly. Even though it was dark, I could still see the colour and make of the car. “Sadly, an accident occurred later,” he wrote.
A dangerous road
The official investigation continues, but both witnesses have also drawn attention to A-52’s poor condition, which they claim is a road that locals are familiar with for its dangers.
Spanish outlet Marca According to reports, a woman survived a near-fatal accident that occurred just hours prior on the same stretch. Such details raises questions as to whether speed can alone explain what happened Diogo Jota, his brother and their family that night.
Diogo Jota is a name that will never be forgotten
Diogo Jota is not only respected for his talents and skills, but for his humility and devotion to his family. These days, tributes have poured in from fans, teammates and coaches from all over the football world.
In his honour, the players of the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States wore black wristbands.
The investigation continues as his family and football community grieve. The Spanish authorities are yet to release a final report. Eyewitnesses are now challenging early conclusions and painting a much more complex picture.
