Ten Killed When Family Car Plunges Into Lake During Rio Floods

>Early Sunday morning, a local passerby raised the alarm after spotting an overturned vehicle submerged in a lake in Barra Mansa, Rio de Janeiro state. This vehicle, carrying a family of ten, tragically plunged into the water following severe flooding in the area.

Government officials confirmed that the ten victims were already lifeless when emergency crews managed to remove them from the wreck. According to a relative speaking with G1, the casualties were all members of the same family residing in the Santa Cruz neighbourhood in Volta Redonda.

The military fire department rapidly mobilized resources, deploying 30 firefighters from five different units, along with ten vehicles and two specialized divers. The rescue operation involved police stations across Barra Mansa, Volta Redonda, Resende, and Barra do Piraí, using teams from the Search and Rescue Group.

Local police confirmed that they are treating the incident as an accident and are currently conducting a formal investigation into exactly what led to the crash. Rio authorities issued statements expressing their condolences following the horrific loss of life.

The Rio region had been battered by heavy rainfall since Saturday, which triggered severe flash flooding even in major tourist areas such as Copacabana. This devastating incident comes after southern Brazil experienced massive floods earlier this year, killing over 150 people.

The family unit tragically lost not only male and female members but also five children, including a baby girl who was among the deceased.