Explosion of Iranian Export Bitumen Truck in Brazil – Highway Shut Down After Massive Fire

Bitumen in fire

Incident Report: Tanker Explosion on BR-116 Highway

📅 Date: February 8, 2025
⏰ Time: 14:30 local time
📍 Location: BR-116 Highway, São Paulo, Brazil

Overview of the Incident

A catastrophic explosion occurred on Brazil’s BR-116 Highway when a tanker truck transporting Bitumen 60/70 overturned and ignited, leading to a massive inferno. The intense fire caused road closures, severe traffic congestion, and widespread panic. Emergency response teams arrived swiftly, battling the flames for over three hours before bringing the situation under control.

Details of the Incident

According to official reports, the tanker truck, loaded with Bitumen 60/70, was en route from Santos Port to an industrial facility in Curitiba when the driver lost control on a sharp curve near São Paulo. The truck veered off the road, overturned, and ruptured multiple barrels of bitumen, spilling the material across the highway.

Eyewitnesses reported a sudden explosion moments after impact, followed by multiple secondary blasts as more bitumen barrels ignited. Thick black smoke blanketed the sky, significantly reducing visibility and forcing authorities to shut down the highway for several hours.

Emergency Response and Statements

Fire Chief Roberto Silva (São Paulo Fire Department):

“Upon arrival, the fire had already engulfed the truck, and multiple explosions were occurring due to the extreme heat. Our priority was to contain the fire and prevent further ignition, as the spilled bitumen posed a severe hazard.”

Silva confirmed that 18 fire units and over 40 firefighters were deployed to the scene. “Due to the high combustion temperature of Bitumen 60/70, specialized firefighting techniques were necessary to control the blaze,” he added.

São Paulo Police Captain Marcos Vieira:

“Initial findings suggest that brake failure or excessive speed might have contributed to the accident. We are conducting forensic examinations to determine if mechanical failure played a role.”

Captain Vieira confirmed that the driver, a 45-year-old Brazilian national, did not survive the explosion. Investigators are analyzing the truck’s maintenance records and cargo documentation to verify compliance with safety regulations.

Eyewitness Accounts

🔹 Lucas Almeida, a truck driver following the bitumen tanker:
“The truck swerved dangerously before tipping over. Seconds later, a massive explosion occurred, spreading flames instantly.”

🔹 Maria Costa, a local resident near the highway:
“The explosion was so strong that it shook our windows. Then, we saw thick smoke and heard another blast as more barrels ignited.”

Road Closures and Environmental Impact

  • 🚧 The BR-116 highway remained closed for 12 hours for fire control and cleanup operations.
  • 🚧 Extreme heat from the fire melted portions of the asphalt, requiring urgent road repairs.
  • 🚧 Authorities issued air quality warnings due to toxic smoke from the burning Bitumen 60/70.

Potential Causes Under Investigation

Authorities are investigating two primary causes behind the accident:

  • 1️⃣ Mechanical failure (brake malfunction or tire blowout), which may have led to loss of control.
  • 2️⃣ Excessive speed on a hazardous curve, destabilizing the truck’s load.

The National Transport Safety Agency (ANTT) has launched a comprehensive investigation into the accident and is reviewing safety protocols for bitumen transportation.

Safety Concerns and Future Prevention

This incident underscores the importance of strict safety regulations for transporting hazardous materials. Industry experts emphasize that preventive measures, such as:

  • ✅ Regular truck maintenance and brake system inspections
  • ✅ Stricter speed limits for heavy cargo vehicles
  • ✅ Mandatory training programs for tanker truck drivers
  • ✅ Improved emergency response protocols

These steps can significantly reduce the risk of such disasters in the future.

Conclusion

The tragic accident on the BR-116 highway highlights the dangers of transporting industrial-grade Bitumen 60/70 and the urgent need for enhanced safety regulations. Authorities are urging logistics companies to re-evaluate their maintenance practices and cargo security measures to prevent similar incidents.

Further updates will be provided as investigations continue.

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