Spanish authorities have released new details regarding the tragic car crash that claimed the lives of Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 25, on July 3, 2025.
The accident occurred on the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, Zamora, in northwestern Spain, and initial investigations point to excessive speed as a significant factor in the fatal incident.
READ ALSO: Cristiano Ronaldo’s reason for not attending the funeral of Diogo Jota sparked serious reactions
According to a statement from Spain’s Guardia Civil, the crash occurred at approximately 00:30 local time (22:30 GMT) when the acid green £180,000 Lamborghini Huracan, believed to be driven by Diogo Jota, veered off the road and burst into flames after a suspected tyre blowout during an overtaking maneuver.
The vehicle collided with the central reservation barrier, resulting in a fire that engulfed the car and surrounding vegetation. Both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police Findings: Speed and Tyre Blowout
The Guardia Civil’s second official statement, released on July 8, 2025, confirmed that “everything is pointing” to Jota being behind the wheel at the time of the crash.
Preliminary tests suggest the Lamborghini was traveling “way in excess” of the 120 km/h (74.6 mph) speed limit on that stretch of the A-52 motorway.
READ ALSO: Video of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota accident scene
Investigators are analyzing tread marks left by the vehicle’s wheels to determine the exact speed and other contributing factors.
A tyre blowout, potentially linked to improper tyre conditions or incorrect pressure, is believed to have caused the loss of control, though experts note it is unlikely to be the sole factor in the crash.
A local government official, Ángel Blanco, described the A-52 as a notoriously treacherous road, citing its history of accidents due to potholes, broken lanes, recent roadworks, and high-speed bends.
Just eight days prior to Jota’s crash, a 60-year-old woman was seriously injured in a similar accident at the same location, raising concerns about the road’s safety.
Context of the Journey
Jota and his brother were traveling from Porto, Portugal, to Santander, Spain, to catch an overnight ferry to the UK, as Jota had been advised against flying due to recent minor lung surgery following a rib injury sustained during the 2024/25 Premier League season.
READ ALSO: Video of Football players carrying Diogo Jota’s body in Portugal as they observe the funeral rites
The brothers planned to stop at a hotel in Burgos to rest during the eight-hour journey, with the intention of arriving in Santander on Thursday to board the ferry to Portsmouth.
From there, Jota was expected to continue to Liverpool for pre-season training, set to begin on July 7, 2025.