Two Fatal Rail-Crossing Crashes Intensify Scrutiny of MRS Logística

Overview

• Guilherme Lima da Silva, 21, died on Feb. 15 when an MRS freight train struck his motorcycle at a level crossing in Engenheiro Pedreira, Japeri.
• Locals and the victim’s mother say the site’s audible warning had been malfunctioning for days or longer, and they demand urgent maintenance and protections.
• MRS says the driver used the emergency brake in Japeri and the train could not stop in time, and the company will check the warning equipment for possible damage.
• In a separate case on Feb. 18, Silvia Domingos, 55, was killed at a pedestrian crossing on Avenida Rio Branco in Juiz de Fora, and MRS says she crossed imprudently despite audible and luminous signals.
• Police inquiries are active, residents in Japeri have protested for stronger signaling, and Silvia was buried on Feb. 19 as the cases move forward.