Two people, including the brother-in-law of the Vice-President of the Vila Nova de Paiva City Council and a municipal employee, have died following a road collision on the National Road 329 (EN329) on Thursday night. The municipality has declared three days of mourning due to the “tragic accident.”
The collision between two vehicles occurred at around 9:00 PM near a curve in the locality of Queiriga. On Thursday night, the National Republican Guard (GNR) reported that a 58-year-old man died and another, aged 47, was left in critical condition. This morning, the Diário de Viseu confirmed that the injured victim succumbed to his injuries.
According to the Vila Nova de Paiva City Council in the district of Viseu, the victims are Sérgio Rochinha, the brother-in-law of the municipality’s Vice-President, and Luís Miguel Carvalho, a municipal employee.
“In light of the tragic road accident that occurred last night, which claimed the life of lawyer Dr. Sérgio Rochinha, brother-in-law of the Vice-President of this Municipality, and municipal employee Mr. Luís Miguel Carvalho, son-in-law of the President of the Board of the Vila Nova de Paiva Volunteer Firefighters’ Association, and the distress this tragic event has caused and continues to cause in the community of Paivense in general, I express, in my name and in the name of this City Council, our grief, solidarity, and sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” stated the council president, Paulo Marques, in an order released this Friday.
Due to the accident, all “municipal festivities and other leisure activities scheduled for this weekend” have been canceled.
A “municipal mourning period of three days, from August 8 to 10, 2024,” has also been declared, along with the “lowering of the Municipality of Vila Nova de Paiva’s flag to half-mast at the Municipality House and all public municipal buildings.”
Following the accident, the EN329 was closed in both directions for nearly six hours, before being reopened at 2:43 AM.
According to the website of the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection, 21 personnel were dispatched to the scene, supported by seven vehicles.
The duo Anjos was among the bands set to perform at VERPAIVA, the Vila Nova de Paiva municipal festival. On social media, the brothers announced the cancellation of the concert scheduled for Sunday night, August 10, “with profound respect and solidarity.”
“It is with profound respect and solidarity that we announce the cancellation of the Anjos concert (as well as all the Municipality Festivities) planned for this Sunday, August 10, in Vila Nova de Paiva. The decision follows the tragic death of two individuals connected to the municipality,” they announced on social media.
“At this time of grief, we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, friends, the Paivense community, and the City Council of Vila Nova de Paiva. More than any event, life and respect for others matter. Our thoughts are with you.” With care, Nelson and Sérgio Rosado,” they added.
The Anjos duo was set to take the stage on Sunday night, August 10, at the Vila Nova de Paiva municipal festival. However, the event was canceled due to the deaths of two cherished individuals from the municipality, which is part of the Viseu district.
