Diogo Jota Crash Site Linked to Another Serious Accident Days Earlier on Spain’s Deadly A-52 Highway

The tragic death of Liverpool striker Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 26, in a fiery crash near Cernadilla, Zamora, has shaken the football world. But now, fresh details reveal that the same stretch of the A-52 motorway, where the brothers died, was also the site of a serious car accident just days earlier, adding more urgency to growing concerns over the safety of the notorious road.

Two Accidents, Same Location, Eight Days Apart

• June 25, 2025 (Wednesday): A 60-year-old woman was seriously injured near kilometre 65 of the A-52. Her car left the road, landing in a ditch. She had to be rescued by firefighters and was rushed to hospital.

• July 2, 2025 (Tuesday, 00:30 a.m.): Diogo Jota and Andre Silva died after their Lamborghini veered off the same stretch of the A-52 and caught fire following a suspected tyre blowout during overtaking.

These back-to-back incidents have raised questions about the safety and condition of the A-52 — a road already under scrutiny for its high fatality rate and poor maintenance.

What Caused Jota’s Fatal Crash?

According to the official police report, Jota and Silva were travelling at night when their sports car lost control, possibly due to a blown tyre during an overtaking maneuver. The vehicle struck the central barrier, rolled, and burst into flames. Emergency responders arrived quickly but could not save either man.

Photos from the crash site show the wreckage on the inner side of the dual carriageway near Cernadilla — a region known for its winding roads, poor visibility, and increasing accident frequency.

A-52: Spain’s Dangerous “Motorway of Death”

The A-52, also known as the Autovía das Rías Baixas, stretches across northwestern Spain, connecting Benavente to Vigo. It has a troubling safety record:

• In 2023, 19 major accidents were reported on this road alone.

• Each accident resulted in an average of 1.5 fatalities.

• Many crashes occurred during daylight hours, with clear visibility and dry road conditions, suggesting road design flaws rather than weather.

Road Surface and Animal Hazards

Several problems contribute to the danger on the A-52:

• Potholes: Reports from motorists show deep potholes that have shredded tyres, sometimes without warning. In just one month in 2024, there were over 40 formal pothole complaints.

• Wildlife crossings: Drivers have collided with Iberian wolves, deer, and other wild animals that often cross the highway at night.

• Lack of signage: A driver in 2018 filed a complaint saying missing road signs nearly caused a crash due to the sudden end of a lane.

• Fog and night driving: The Zamora province is often blanketed in thick fog, reducing visibility — especially dangerous on high-speed stretches like the one where Jota’s crash happened.

Officials Speak Out

Ángel Blanco, the central government representative for Zamora province, described the A-52 as “very dangerous” in the aftermath of Jota’s death. He acknowledged that the road’s infrastructure and hazards have been neglected for too long.

Local road safety groups are now calling for:

• Immediate resurfacing of dangerous sections

• Wildlife warning systems

• Better lighting and signage

• Lower speed limits on accident-prone curves

Mourning a Football Star and His Brother

As fans mourn the devastating loss of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva, tributes have poured in from around the world. Outside Anfield, Liverpool fans left flowers, scarves, and messages of support, turning the stadium gates into a memorial.

“You’ll Never Walk Alone,” read one tribute laid beside a Portugal flag.

Jota, who joined Liverpool in 2020, became a fan favorite for his aggressive playing style and clutch goals. He was also a vital part of the Portuguese national team.

Social Media Reaction

The crash has sparked outrage across social platforms, with many sharing videos of the damaged road and calls for Spanish authorities to take immediate action. The phrase “Fix the A-52” trended on Twitter in both English and Spanish, alongside heartfelt tributes.