A violent collision involving three cars occurred on Saturday, June 5, in the village of Rabo de Peixe, located on São Miguel Island in the Azores, resulting in the death of an eight-year-old child.
The incident also left one person seriously injured and three others with minor injuries. The collision was reported at approximately 5:28 PM. Emergency services dispatched five ambulances, a rescue vehicle, and two SIV units to the scene.
All occupants of the three passenger vehicles involved were transported to the Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo in Ponta Delgada. Two of the injured were taken to the hospital in cardiac arrest; the child later died, while the other remains hospitalized.
The regional television channel highlighted that the Public Security Police (PSP) were present at the accident site to investigate the causes of the crash.
The accident happened at the Alminhas crossroads in Rabo de Peixe, on the road connecting Ponta Delgada to Ribeira Grande. Many social media users have complained about the alleged issues at this intersection, prompting the creation of a public petition calling for the construction of a roundabout to prevent future accidents.
The petitioners stated, “We, the undersigned, residents of Rabo de Peixe and neighboring areas, request the urgent construction of a roundabout at the Alminhas area on the Ribeira Grande Regional road, a significant traffic hub and main access to the village center.”
They further noted, “The Alminhas area is widely known for its heavy traffic, especially during peak hours, posing a constant risk of accidents. The current intersection configuration does not allow for efficient or safe traffic flow, leading to frequent congestion, dangerous maneuvers, and challenges for daily commuters.”
They urge the authorities “to prioritize evaluating this proposal and initiate the planning and construction of the roundabout, appealing to your responsibility to address this situation.” The petition has gathered nearly 400 signatures.
