A truck driver who witnessed the fiery crash that claimed the lives of Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva has spoken out, insisting the supercar was not speeding at the time of the accident—contradicting early suggestions from police investigators.
Jota, 28, and Silva, 26, were killed last week after their Lamborghini Huracán spun off the A-52 motorway near Zamora in northwest Spain and burst into flames. The tragic crash occurred around 12.35am while the pair were reportedly en route to Santander to catch a ferry to the UK, following medical advice for Jota to avoid air travel after recent lung surgery.
Initial forensic assessments suggested the vehicle may have been travelling at excessive speed when the crash occurred. Police sources said they were examining wheel marks on the road and believed a tyre may have burst during an overtaking manoeuvre, sending the 200mph car hurtling off the road into nearby vegetation before igniting.
However, a man named Jose Azevedo, who claims to have witnessed the crash from his lorry, has posted a video online refuting the notion that Jota was driving recklessly.
“I filmed it, stopped, tried to help, but unfortunately there was nothing I could do,” Azevedo said in Portuguese. “I have a clear conscience. I know what I went through that night because I didn’t know who was inside. My condolences to the family.
“They have my word that they were not speeding. I could see the make of the car, the colour of the car. I drive this road every day, Monday through Saturday. I know what road it is—and it’s worthless. It’s a dark road… I saw everything perfectly.”
The A-52 has since come under heavy scrutiny. The stretch of road, notorious for its poor lighting, dangerous curves, and deteriorating surface, is often used by travellers from Portugal heading to ports in northern Spain or through to France. According to La Opinión de Zamora, drivers have logged dozens of complaints with Spain’s Ministry of Transport over potholes and inadequate signage. In 2020 alone, nearly 15,000 speeding fines were issued on the route, and a campaign was launched to highlight danger zones and curb reckless driving.
Adding to concerns about road safety, it has emerged that just hours before the brothers’ fatal crash, a 60-year-old woman was seriously injured on the same road in a separate incident. Her vehicle left the carriageway near kilometre 65, and she had to be rescued by firefighters before being transported to hospital.
Spanish authorities remain focused on the investigation. The Civil Guard confirmed they believe Diogo Jota was behind the wheel and are continuing to analyse forensic data. In a statement, the force said: “Everything is pointing to a possible high excess of speed over the permitted speed on that stretch of motorway. The expert report is still being worked on and will be handed to a court in Puebla de Sanabria.”
Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in for the popular Liverpool and Portugal forward, who had recently married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children. Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool and helped the club to a Premier League title, FA Cup, and League Cup. His younger brother Andre Silva was also a professional footballer, playing for Portuguese second-tier side FC Penafiel.
The tragic accident has sparked renewed calls for urgent safety upgrades to one of the Iberian Peninsula’s most dangerous stretches of motorway.
