At 04:45 PM +07 on Friday, July 11, 2025, a chilling eyewitness account has emerged, shedding new light on the final moments before the fatal crash that claimed the lives of Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. The Portuguese footballer, aged 28, and his 25-year-old sibling perished in the early hours of July 3, 2025, when their Lamborghini veered off a Spanish motorway and erupted into a fireball. A truck driver, José Azevedo, who witnessed the incident, described hearing a “piercing scream” followed by a blinding flash and sudden darkness, offering a haunting glimpse into the tragedy. This article explores the eyewitness testimony, the crash’s details, the context of Jota’s life and death, public reactions, and the ongoing investigation into the accident that has stunned the football world.
The Eyewitness Account
José Azevedo, a 42-year-old truck driver from Portugal, was traveling along the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, Zamora, when he became an unwilling witness to the catastrophe. In an interview with Spanish media on July 11, 2025, Azevedo recounted the harrowing 30 seconds leading up to the explosion. “I was about 200 meters behind them when I heard this piercing scream—it was unlike anything I’ve ever heard, almost inhuman,” he said. “Then there was a flash, like a lightning strike, and everything went dark. I slammed on my brakes and saw the flames rising.” Azevedo pulled over and recorded the burning wreckage, a video that later circulated widely, showing the Lamborghini engulfed in fire with debris scattered across the roadside.
Azevedo’s account suggests the crash unfolded rapidly, challenging initial reports of excessive speed. He insists the Lamborghini was not moving unusually fast, proposing the road’s poor condition—potholes and uneven lanes—may have contributed. His testimony, while gripping, has sparked debate, with some questioning its reliability given the chaos of the moment. Emergency services arrived within minutes, but the brothers were already beyond help, their identities confirmed via the car’s license plate and forensic analysis.
The Crash Details
The accident occurred at approximately 12:30 AM local time on July 3, 2025, as the brothers drove eastward toward Santander to catch a ferry to the UK. Jota, advised against flying after recent lung surgery, opted for the road trip with André, a player for Penafiel in Portugal’s second division. Spanish authorities, via the Guardia Civil, initially attributed the crash to a tire blowout during an overtaking maneuver, causing the vehicle to veer off the road, roll, and ignite. The Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder, valued at £180,000 with a top speed exceeding 200 mph, left a 50-meter skid mark, hinting at significant force.
Photographs and videos from the scene reveal a charred, overturned shell, with vegetation along the median ablaze. The car’s pyrotechnic door system, designed to release doors during a rollover, is under scrutiny, with speculation it may have malfunctioned, trapping the occupants. The A-52’s notorious hazards—potholes, recent roadworks, and wildlife—add complexity, though official conclusions remain pending. The rapid fire, fueled by the supercar’s materials, likely prevented escape, a detail that has fueled public anguish.
Context: Jota’s Life and Recent Milestones
Diogo Jota, born December 4, 1996, in Porto, Portugal, was a rising star whose career trajectory was abruptly cut short. A key figure in Liverpool’s 2024-2025 Premier League triumph, he scored 65 goals in 182 appearances, also winning the FA Cup and two EFL Cups. His international record with Portugal included 14 goals in 49 matches and two UEFA Nations League titles. André, less prominent but equally passionate, complemented Jota’s journey, their bond evident in their shared road trip.
The tragedy struck just 11 days after Jota’s wedding to Rute Cardoso on June 22, 2025, a joyous event he captioned “a day we will never forget.” The father of three, including a newborn, was preparing for pre-season training, his lung surgery a minor setback he approached with optimism. His physio, Miguel Goncalves, confirmed Jota’s professionalism, denying rumors of partying and noting their last meeting at 8:30 PM on July 2. This context paints a picture of a life brimming with promise, making the loss even more poignant.
Investigation and Emerging Questions
The Guardia Civil’s investigation, expected to conclude within days, focuses on speed, tire failure, and road conditions. Skid marks suggest the car exceeded the 120 km/h (74.6 mph) limit, though Azevedo’s claim of moderate speed contradicts this. Tire blowout remains the leading theory, with experts examining whether the Huracán’s high-performance tires were compromised by the road’s state or manufacturing defects. The pyrotechnic door system, intended as a safety feature, is a wildcard—did it fail to deploy, or did it exacerbate the fire?
Skepticism surrounds the establishment narrative. Some question whether speed alone explains the explosion’s intensity, pointing to the Lamborghini’s fuel system or potential mechanical flaws. Others note the timing—post-surgery travel advice and a night drive—raising concerns about decision-making. Without conclusive evidence, these remain speculative, but they reflect a public eager for answers amid grief.
Public and Football Community Reaction
The football world mourned instantly. Liverpool FC expressed devastation, lowering Anfield flags to half-mast and opening a condolence book. Manager Arne Slot called Jota “a friend to everyone,” while Jürgen Klopp, his former boss, shared a heartbroken Instagram post. Cristiano Ronaldo lamented, “It doesn’t make sense,” and fans gathered outside Anfield, singing Jota’s song and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Penafiel FC mourned André, declaring official mourning.
On social platforms, tributes flood in, with hashtags like #RIPDiogoJota trending. Azevedo’s video, while graphic, has amplified sympathy, though some criticize its circulation. The funeral on July 6 in Gondomar saw Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson carry floral tributes, joined by Portugal’s Roberto Martinez, who called the brothers’ spirit “forever with us.” The polarized reactions—grief versus scrutiny—mirror the shock’s depth.
Broader Implications
The crash raises safety concerns for supercars. If the door system or tire quality is implicated, it could prompt regulatory reviews by the European Union, affecting luxury vehicle standards. Jota’s death also highlights risks of post-surgery travel, though his physio’s defense counters negligence claims. For Liverpool, the pre-season schedule—starting July 14 against Preston—faces emotional strain, with tributes planned to honor Jota’s legacy.
Culturally, the incident underscores football’s vulnerability to off-field tragedies, echoing past losses like Emiliano Sala’s. It also reignites debates about road safety on high-speed motorways like the A-52, where prior accidents, including a woman’s injury days earlier, signal systemic issues. The public’s demand for transparency may pressure authorities to expedite findings.
Skepticism and Conspiracy Theories
Some question the official timeline, suggesting the brothers’ fame might have rushed conclusions. Posts on X speculate about foul play or hidden factors, though no evidence supports this. The establishment narrative—speed and tire failure—faces scrutiny, with Azevedo’s account fueling alternative theories. Without forensic clarity, these remain inconclusive, reflecting a natural distrust amid tragedy.
Conclusion
José Azevedo’s haunting recount of the 30 seconds before Diogo Jota’s Lamborghini exploded—“a piercing scream, a flash, and it went dark”—has etched a vivid image of the footballer’s final moments. The crash on July 3, 2025, that killed Jota and André Silva has left a void in football, their lives cut short at the peak of promise. As investigations probe speed, tires, and safety systems, the world mourns a talent lost, grappling with grief, questions, and a call for better safeguards. The echo of that scream lingers, a reminder of life’s fragility and the enduring spirit of those it claims.
