Diogo Jota’s Fatal Crash: Speed, Road Conditions, and the Traffic Camera Enigma

The football world was left in mourning on July 3, 2025, when Liverpool FC star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva lost their lives in a horrific car accident on Spain’s A-52 highway near Cernadilla, Zamora, close to the Portuguese border. The rented acid green Lamborghini Huracán, traveling at an estimated 212 km/h (132 mph), entered a curve, suffered a suspected tire blowout, veered onto a gravel shoulder loosened just 48 hours earlier, and erupted into flames. Adding a layer of mystery, unverified reports claim that traffic cameras on the A-52 inexplicably cut out for exactly seven minutes during the incident, prompting Spanish authorities to review backup footage. As investigators piece together the events, questions about speed, road conditions, and the alleged camera blackout loom large.

The Crash: A Deadly Convergence

The accident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on the A-52, a highway known for its winding curves and history of accidents. Jota, a 28-year-old Portuguese international, was reportedly behind the wheel of a £180,000 Lamborghini Huracán EVO, a supercar with a 640-horsepower V10 engine capable of reaching 325 km/h (202 mph). According to the Spanish Civil Guard’s preliminary findings, the vehicle was traveling at 212 km/h—well above the 120 km/h speed limit—when it entered a curve. A tire blowout likely caused the car to lose control, skid onto the gravel shoulder, and crash, igniting a fire that left the vehicle unrecognizable. El Mundo America identified the Huracán by its distinctive rims, ruling out other Lamborghini models.

The gravel shoulder, loosened just 48 hours prior, possibly due to recent maintenance or environmental factors, has emerged as a critical factor. Loose gravel reduces traction, especially for a high-performance vehicle reliant on specialized tires. If the Huracán skidded onto the shoulder post-blowout, the unstable surface likely exacerbated the loss of control. El País cited local reports of the A-52’s poor condition, with one woman narrowly avoiding a similar accident at the same spot, describing the road as riddled with “many faults.”

The Traffic Camera Blackout: Fact or Fiction?

A claim circulating online alleges that traffic cameras on the A-52 cut out for precisely seven minutes during the crash, raising suspicions of foul play or technical failure. However, this detail is not corroborated by official reports from the Guardia Civil or reputable sources like BBC News, El Confidencial, or The Guardian. The investigation has focused on forensic evidence—skid marks, wreckage analysis, and speed estimates—without mention of camera issues. The claim may stem from social media speculation, similar to a debunked video falsely linked to Jota’s crash, which was actually footage from a 2023 U.S. incident.

Spanish authorities are likely reviewing all available evidence, including traffic camera footage or backups, as part of standard procedure. Eyewitness accounts, such as a video of the burning wreckage recorded by Portuguese truck driver José Azevedo, confirm some visual documentation exists. However, no official statements verify a seven-minute camera blackout. The ongoing investigation, with final reports pending for the Puebla de Sanabria court, may clarify whether cameras were operational or if a technical glitch occurred. Until confirmed, the blackout claim remains speculative and should be approached cautiously.

Speed, Tires, and Conflicting Narratives

The Huracán’s estimated speed of 212 km/h has been central to the investigation. The A-52, despite being a major highway, is ill-suited for such velocities, with nearly 15,000 speeding fines issued in 2020, per El Confidencial. The vehicle’s high-performance tires, crucial for grip, may have been compromised, as the Huracán model was subject to a recall for tire issues. It’s unknown if the rented car was affected, but this has fueled speculation about mechanical failure.

Conflicting accounts complicate the picture. Truck drivers Azevedo and José Aleixo Duarte, cited by Metro News and El Deportivo, challenged police claims of excessive speed, emphasizing the tire blowout and the loosened shoulder. Their testimony suggests the road’s condition was a significant factor, potentially outweighing speed. Investigators are analyzing tire marks and wreckage to determine whether the blowout triggered the skid or if contact with the loose gravel caused the tire failure.

Supercars and Public Road Safety

Jota’s crash has reignited debates about the dangers of supercars on public roads. The Huracán’s immense power requires exceptional skill, particularly on a road like the A-52, described by locals as treacherous. El Confidencial references similar tragedies, including footballer José Antonio Reyes’ 2019 death in a modified Mercedes and actor Paul Walker’s fatal Porsche Carrera GT crash. Jeanne Picard Mahaut of StopAccidentes argues that supercars are “uselessly powerful” for public roads, advocating for regulations like special licenses, as implemented in Australia. StopAccidentes data shows high-performance vehicles like the Porsche 911 averaging seven accident reports per vehicle, compared to five for a Volkswagen Golf.

A Grieving Football Community

Jota’s death, just 11 days after his wedding, has left Liverpool FC, the Premier League, and fans worldwide in shock. A husband and father of three, Jota was a beloved figure known for his skill and dedication. His brother André, a fellow footballer, shared his passion. Tributes from teammates, clubs, and fans, including Liverpool’s heartfelt statement, reflect the profound loss. The tragedy underscores life’s fragility, even for those at their peak.

Conclusion

Diogo Jota’s fatal crash on the A-52 is a complex tragedy involving excessive speed, a tire blowout, and a loosened gravel shoulder. The unverified claim of a seven-minute traffic camera blackout adds intrigue but lacks official confirmation, likely originating from online speculation. As Spanish authorities review evidence, including potential camera backups, the focus remains on understanding the crash’s causes. The incident highlights the risks of supercars on public roads and has sparked calls for stricter safety measures. Jota’s legacy endures, but his loss serves as a somber reminder of the dangers of high-performance driving.