A car crash on the A1 highway during Tuesday lunchtime resulted in one fatality and one severe injury. The vehicle involved, a light automobile, was the sole vehicle in the accident, claiming the life of a 40-year-old woman.
The victim has been identified as Cláudia Fernandes, a nurse at the Castelo Branco Health Unit, specializing in Maternal Health and Obstetrics.
Cláudia, who was driving the vehicle that lost control on the A1 between Santarém and Torres Novas, is mourned by colleagues and friends.
“The Board of Directors of the Local Health Unit of Castelo Branco expresses its deep sorrow for the passing and extends heartfelt condolences to the family and friends,” stated the institution where Cláudia was employed.
The announcement was followed by numerous tributes from those who knew Cláudia well.
“If anyone made a difference in my life, it was this human being. Thank you for so much, Nurse Cláudia,” wrote one online commenter, with another saying, “our sweet Cláudia.”
“Your smile and cheerful disposition will remain in my heart forever,” read another tribute.
“A brutal accident, one that no one expects, took from us a dedicated healthcare professional, a strong woman, and a mother with a full heart,” stated the page Cantinho do Bombeiro. It also revealed that the gravely injured victim, who was airlifted to Santa Maria Hospital, was Cláudia’s 13-year-old son.
“A young athlete with a bright future, who was severely injured,” confirmed by Benfica de Castelo Branco, where the boy is an athlete.
Fatal Accident Between Santarém and Torres Novas
The accident, occurring in the south-north direction near the Santarém service area, also caused three minor injuries, all transported by ambulance to the district hospital.
Natacha Nunes Costa | 14:12 – 24/06/2025
The alert for the accident was given at 12:22 pm. On-site were 32 personnel, including 11 land vehicles from the Medical Emergency and Resuscitation Vehicle (VMER) of Santarém Hospital, firefighters, National Republican Guard (GNR), Brisa, and a helicopter from the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM).
The accident led to the closure of the A1 in the Santarém – Torres Novas direction for a period to assist the victims.
Traffic has resumed but remains partially restricted, with GNR managing the flow, allowing passage only on the far-left lane of that section of the A1.
