The heartbreaking loss of an entire family has shaken the community of Sidrolândia, a town in the interior of Mato Grosso do Sul. Relatives, friends, and local residents gathered in mourning to bid a final farewell to Drielle Leite Lopes and her three children—10-year-old Helena, 2-year-old João Lúcio, and José Augusto, just 3 months old.
The mother and her children were victims of a devastating car accident on the BR-060 highway. The wake, held at the City Council, was marked by overwhelming sorrow, outrage, and deep emotional shock among those present.
The tragedy occurred on Sunday night, on the road between Sidrolândia and Campo Grande. The family had just visited Drielle’s mother to share joyful news: they had purchased their first home the week before.
The crash involved a Corsa driven by a mechanic who, according to reports, had used cocaine and was visibly intoxicated at the time.
According to the State Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Corsa driver attempted a reckless overtaking maneuver, sideswiped a truck, and then crashed head-on into a Saveiro carrying Drielle and her family.
The collision was so severe that the Corsa veered off the road and caught fire. The driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the car and sustained multiple fractures. He remains hospitalized under police guard and has been placed in preventive custody.
Drielle’s husband, who survived the accident, had to be supported by others during the wake. Although his physical injuries were minor, he is emotionally shattered. One of the couple’s other children, a 12-year-old boy, also survived but remains hospitalized after undergoing five surgeries.
He suffered multiple fractures to his arms, legs, and jaw, but doctors say he is now out of danger.
This tragedy has reignited urgent discussions about reckless driving and the deadly consequences of mixing drugs, alcohol, and being behind the wheel.
The grieving family is now calling for justice—not only to hold the driver accountable, but also to help prevent similar tragedies from destroying other lives in such senseless and preventable ways.