Spanish authorities are conducting a comprehensive investigation Probe Speed Tyre Burst in Crash Involving Football Star into the fatal car crash that claimed the lives of Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva on the A-52 highway near Zamora. The tragic incident occurred at 00:30 a.m. local time on July 3, 2025, when their Lamborghini suffered a tire blowout while overtaking, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and burst into flames.
Investigation Focus on Speed and Tire Failure
The crash is being investigated as a “possible speeding incident” by Spanish authorities, with the Government Sub-delegation in Zamora confirming that speed is a key factor being examined. Spain’s Guardia Civil has confirmed that the Lamborghini’s tire blowout occurred during an overtaking maneuver on the A-52 highway, leading to catastrophic consequences.
Evidence at the crash site indicated that the vehicle flipped over and ended up in the central reservation after the tire burst, with both occupants killed instantly. The 28-year-old Liverpool forward was traveling from Portugal to Santander to catch a ferry back to England for pre-season training.
Tire Blowout Statistics and Road Safety Data
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tire blowouts account for approximately 11,000 vehicle crashes annually in the United States, with 563 fatalities recorded in 2022 alone. Research on French motorways from 1996-2002 showed that 6.7% of accidents involved tire blow-outs, with 87% of cases involving only one vehicle.
| Tire Blowout Accident Statistics | Data |
|---|---|
| Annual tire-related crashes (US) | 11,000 |
| Fatalities (2022) | 563 |
| Percentage of highway accidents (France) | 6.7% |
| Single vehicle involvement | 87% |
| Risk increase with underinflation (25%+) | 3x more likely |
Spain’s Road Safety Record
Spain has significantly improved its road safety record, with 86% fewer car crash fatalities in 2021 compared to 1991 on a population-adjusted basis. However, conventional roads remain particularly dangerous, with 76% of fatalities occurring on these routes rather than highways.
Official Response and Investigation Process
The Zamora Provincial Council and Spanish Civil Guard have confirmed that emergency services, including the Traffic Civil Guard, Fire Brigade, and Medical Emergency Unit, immediately responded to the scene. Forensic testing at a morgue in Zamora confirmed the brothers’ identities, with remains moved to Puebla de Sanabria for further investigation.
The Portuguese Football Federation has requested UEFA to observe a minute of silence before all matches in honor of the victims, while Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro confirmed the tragic news, describing it as “unexpected and tragic”.
Contributing Factors Under Investigation
The NHTSA identifies several key factors contributing to tire blowouts: improper air pressure, punctures, cuts, cracks, excessive wear, manufacturing defects, overloads, and road hazards. Summer months pose increased risks due to higher temperatures causing tire overheating.
The accident scene analysis revealed that the Lamborghini was traveling at high speed when the tire failure occurred during the overtaking maneuver, with the vehicle subsequently catching fire. Jota had been advised not to fly following minor surgery and was instead making the journey by road to return to Liverpool for pre-season training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What caused Diogo Jota’s car crash?
A: Spanish authorities confirmed the crash was caused by a tire blowout while overtaking, with speed being investigated as a contributing factor.
Q: Where did the accident occur?
A: The crash happened on the A-52 highway near Zamora, Spain, at kilometer 65 in the municipality of Cernadilla.
Q: Are tire blowouts common in car accidents?
A: Yes, tire blowouts cause approximately 11,000 crashes annually in the US and account for 6.7% of highway accidents.
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