Police believe the Lamborghini driven by Liverpool forward Diogo Jota was most likely speeding when it crashed, killing him and his brother André Silva, according to a preliminary report from Spain’s Civil Guard.
Crash Details & Accident Scene
In the early hours of July 3, Jota and Silva were driving a rental Lamborghini Huracán Spyder on the A‑52 motorway near Cernadilla, Zamora, Spain, en route to Santander to catch a ferry to England. The vehicle veered off the road and burst into flames, leaving no survivors. Investigators believe Jota was at the wheel.
Initial Findings: Speed & Tyre Failures
Investigators report that tyre marks at the crash site, including one from a burst tyre during overtaking, point to excessive speed—potentially well above the motorway’s 120 km/h (75 mph) limit.. A Spanish-language ABC News report noted it is impossible to determine the exact speed just yet, but civil guards expect to use skid marks in the final analysis .
Contributing Factors & Ongoing Analysis
- Tyre Blowout: Indications of a tyre failure during an overtaking maneuver emerged early in the investigation.
- Possible Road Flaws: Reports emerged that the road section has potholes, poor lane markings, and is known for accidents—though official focus remains on speed and tyre integrity.
- High-Performance Vehicle: The supercar could easily exceed 120 km/h; Skid-mark analysis, tyre condition, and CCTV footage are being used to reconstruct the crash.
Tragic Aftermath & Investigation Next Steps
The brothers were laid to rest in Gondomar, Portugal, on Saturday, their hometown sowed in grief. The preliminary police report, now finalized, is being forwarded to the local court in Puebla de Sanabria before any public release. Investigators continue analyzing tyre fragments, skid marks, vehicle status, and road conditions.
Football Community Remembers
The crash stunned the football world. Jota, 28, had just tied the knot on June 22, only two weeks earlier, and was the father of three young children. He won the Premier League with Liverpool and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal this summer.
Tributes poured in—from Teammates like Virgíl van Dijk and Andy Robertson to heads of state—highlighting the depth of loss within the community.
Why Speed Matters in the Reconstruction
Speed is central not just to understanding the crash’s voluntary or involuntary dynamics, but also in determining manslaughter or negligence aspects. Over-speeding reduces reaction time, especially on high-performance vehicles and potentially flawed road surfaces.
What’s Next in the Legal Process
- Further Forensics: Detailed examination of tyres, skid-lengths, metallurgical tests, telemetry, and CCTV will flesh out speed and tyre condition.
- Court Reporting: The Civil Guard’s full findings will be submitted to the court, followed by possible inquests or legal consequences.
- Public Release: The finalized police report will be made public, offering clarity on the accident’s causes.
Conclusion
The initial police investigation concludes that excessive speed, likely beyond motorway limits, coupled with a tyre blowout, led to the Hanoi Lamborghini veering off-road and bursting into flames—resulting in the tragic deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. As the detailed forensics progress and a final report unfolds, it will shed light on whether speed was the primary factor or a tragic coincidence. Until then, the football world continues to mourn a vibrant talent taken too soon.
