A multi-vehicle collision on the Fernão Dias Highway (BR-381) in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, caused a complete shutdown of the roadway on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Ash Wednesday, disrupting travel for those returning from Carnival celebrations. The accident, involving multiple tractor-trailers and at least one passenger vehicle, resulted in three fatalities and one injury, according to reports from O TEMPO and Sete Lagoas .com.br. Authorities have not yet released the identities of those involved.
The accident occurred near Nepomuceno, Minas Gerais, and resulted in the complete closure of the highway in both directions. Traffic is being diverted, but significant delays are expected as the area experiences a high volume of traffic following the Carnival holiday. Estado de Minas reported that the highway was initially closed around 3:00 PM local time.
Impact on Travel and Logistics
The Fernão Dias Highway is a critical transportation artery connecting São Paulo to Minas Gerais, handling approximately 250,000 vehicles daily, according to the Brazilian Ministry of Transport. It is also a vital route for cargo transport, linking the largest airport in Latin America to industrial hubs and production regions. The closure is expected to significantly impact logistics and supply chains, particularly as many Brazilians are returning home after the Carnival festivities. itatiaia.com.br noted that the accident occurred during a period of increased traffic volume due to the complete of Carnival.
Details of the Accident
Preliminary reports indicate a collision involving multiple tractor-trailers and a passenger car. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by the Federal Highway Police (Polícia Rodoviária Federal). The three fatalities were reportedly occupants of the passenger car and were pronounced dead at the scene. The single reported injury was sustained by a driver of one of the involved trucks. The extent of that injury has not been released. The vehicles involved were reportedly carbonized as a result of the impact and subsequent fire, complicating the investigation process.
Ongoing Response and Recovery Efforts
Emergency services, including firefighters and highway patrol officers, are on the scene working to clear the wreckage and manage traffic flow. Authorities have not provided an estimated time for the highway to fully reopen. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes. Updates on the situation are being provided by the Federal Highway Police and local news outlets. The concessionaire responsible for the Fernão Dias Highway, Nova-381, is also providing information and assistance to motorists. The highway was previously managed by Autopista Fernão Dias (Arteris) until 2025, as noted by Wikipedia.
Looking Ahead
The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, and authorities are expected to release further details in the coming days. The reopening of the Fernão Dias Highway is a priority, but will depend on the completion of the wreckage removal and safety assessments. Motorists are encouraged to monitor traffic updates and plan their routes accordingly. The Ministry of Transport is overseeing a significant investment of R$14.8 billion in the Fernão Dias Highway, which is intended to improve capacity and reduce congestion, but these improvements are not yet complete.
This is a developing story. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. If you were affected by this incident, please share your experience in the comments below.
