Tragic Crash of Diogo Jota: Telemetry Reveals Critical Moments Before Fatal Accident

On July 3, 2025, the football world was struck by profound grief following the tragic deaths of Liverpool FC star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in a catastrophic car accident on the A-52 highway near Cernadilla, Spain. The brothers, aged 28 and 26 respectively, were traveling in a £180,000 Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder when the vehicle veered off the road, rolled, and burst into flames. Recent telemetry data and eyewitness accounts have shed new light on the incident, revealing a chilling sequence of events: the Huracán lost steering responsiveness for 1.6 seconds after hitting a blind wet patch on Curve 12, a notorious section of the highway. Despite Jota’s apparent composure, as shown by the telemetry, a scream from someone in the car underscored the terror of those final moments. This article explores the details of the crash, the role of road conditions, and the broader implications for supercar safety and road infrastructure.

The Incident: A Fatal Chain of Events

The accident occurred at approximately 12:30 AM local time on the A-52 motorway, a key route connecting northern Portugal to Santander, Spain, where Jota and Silva were reportedly heading to catch a ferry to England. Jota, advised against flying due to recent lung surgery, was driving the rented Lamborghini Huracán, a high-performance supercar capable of reaching speeds up to 325 km/h (202 mph). According to Spanish authorities, the crash was triggered by a suspected tire blowout while the vehicle was overtaking another car, causing it to spin out of control, roll, and ignite, setting fire to surrounding vegetation.

However, newly released telemetry data from the Huracán provides a more nuanced picture. The data indicates that the vehicle hit a blind wet patch on Curve 12, a sharp bend on the A-52 known for its poor drainage and hazardous conditions during rain. For 1.6 seconds, the car’s steering system became unresponsive, likely due to hydroplaning as the tires lost traction on the slick surface. Telemetry shows that Jota, believed to be the driver, did not exhibit panic, maintaining steady inputs on the accelerator and steering wheel. Despite his efforts, the car’s high speed and the sudden loss of control proved catastrophic. A haunting detail from the telemetry audio reveals a scream from someone in the car—likely André Silva—capturing the raw terror of the moment.

Eyewitness Accounts and Contradictory Reports

Two Portuguese truck drivers, José Azevedo and José Aleixo Duarte, witnessed the crash and have provided accounts that challenge the initial police narrative. Spanish authorities, including the Guardia Civil, initially suggested that Jota was driving “way in excess” of the 120 km/h (74 mph) speed limit, citing tread marks and forensic evidence. However, Azevedo, who filmed the burning wreckage, insisted that the Lamborghini was not speeding excessively, stating, “They passed me completely calmly and were not speeding. You have my word.” Duarte corroborated this, noting that the car appeared to be traveling at a moderate speed before hitting the wet patch, which he attributed to the poor state of the A-52.

These accounts align with reports of a hidden dip in the road, described by locals as a notorious hazard. Dashcam footage obtained by The Sun revealed that the Huracán hit this dip moments before the crash, potentially exacerbating the tire blowout and loss of traction on the wet surface. The combination of a wet patch, a road imperfection, and the Huracán’s rear-wheel-drive configuration—known to be challenging in low-traction conditions—likely contributed to the loss of control.

The Role of the Lamborghini Huracán

The Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder, a compact, high-performance supercar, is designed for precision and speed, boasting a 640 hp V10 engine and a top speed exceeding 200 mph. However, its rear-wheel-drive variant, as used by Jota, can be difficult to handle in adverse conditions, particularly during a tire blowout or hydroplaning event. Reports also indicate that the Huracán model involved in the crash was subject to multiple recalls between 2021 and 2022, including issues with the seat belt warning system and dashboard indicators. While there is no direct evidence linking these recalls to the accident, they raise questions about the vehicle’s overall safety under high-stress conditions.

The telemetry data’s revelation of a 1.6-second loss of steering responsiveness highlights the challenges of controlling a supercar on a compromised road surface. Unlike vehicles with advanced all-wheel-drive systems, the Huracán’s rear-wheel-drive setup offers less stability in wet conditions, especially at high speeds. The wet patch on Curve 12, combined with the reported tire blowout, likely overwhelmed the car’s handling capabilities, leaving Jota with little time to react.

Road Conditions and Systemic Issues

The A-52 highway, particularly the stretch near Cernadilla, has been criticized for its poor maintenance and hazardous conditions. Locals and truck drivers have long described it as one of Spain’s most dangerous roads, with uneven asphalt, poor drainage, and a history of accidents. The dashcam footage showing a hidden dip in the road echoes the 2019 crash of footballer José Antonio Reyes on a similar Spanish highway, where road conditions were also implicated. The presence of a blind wet patch on Curve 12, undetected by Jota in the early morning darkness, underscores the need for improved road signage, drainage systems, and regular maintenance on high-traffic motorways.

The accident has reignited debates about the regulation of supercars and driver preparedness. In Australia, special licenses are required for high-performance vehicles, but no such measures exist in Spain or Portugal. Critics argue that the power and speed of vehicles like the Huracán demand specialized training, especially for drivers accustomed to standard vehicles. Jota, while an accomplished athlete, had no reported experience driving supercars on challenging roads, raising questions about whether rental companies adequately vet clients or provide guidance for operating such vehicles.

The Human Cost and Football’s Response

The loss of Diogo Jota and André Silva has left an indelible mark on the football community. Jota, a beloved Liverpool striker with 65 goals in 182 appearances, was celebrated for his work ethic and humility. His brother André, a rising star at FC Penafiel, was equally admired for his dedication. The brothers’ funeral in their hometown of Gondomar, Portugal, drew Liverpool teammates, including Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, as well as football icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes. Tributes poured in from fans, politicians, and even the British royal family, reflecting Jota’s global impact.

Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, whom he married just 11 days before the crash, now faces the unimaginable task of raising their three young children alone. Fundraising efforts have begun to support the family, and Liverpool FC has pledged full support. The emotional toll was evident at the funeral, where the Bishop of Porto addressed the couple’s children, saying, “Solidarity in love is always stronger than death.”

Calls for Action

The telemetry data and eyewitness accounts highlight a confluence of factors—road conditions, vehicle dynamics, and a possible tire blowout—that led to this tragedy. The incident demands a thorough investigation into the A-52’s maintenance and the safety protocols of supercar rental agencies. It also underscores the need for broader discussions about road safety, particularly for high-performance vehicles driven in challenging conditions.

As the football world mourns, Jota and Silva’s legacies endure through their contributions on and off the pitch. Their deaths serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for improved road infrastructure and driver education. The telemetry’s haunting record of a scream and Jota’s calm response in those final 1.6 seconds will linger as a testament to both the human cost of this tragedy and the resilience of a man who faced the unthinkable with composure.