Truck driver who filmed Diogo Jota car crash disputes police report as second witness comes forward

The football world continues to mourn the tragic loss of Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who died in a car crash last week. The accident occurred in the Spanish province of Zamora and involved a Lamborghini that reportedly lost control and caught fire after veering off the road. Initial reports from local authorities suggested that the incident was caused by a tyre blowout, which led to the vehicle leaving the roadway.

Since the news of Jota’s passing broke, tributes have flooded in from Liverpool players, staff, and the global football community. The emotional response has been overwhelming, with fans and colleagues alike remembering Jota’s skill, humility, and passion for the game. The tragic event has not only shaken Liverpool Football Club but also left a lasting impact across the entire sporting world.

On Tuesday, Spanish police released a new report indicating that Jota was likely the one driving the Lamborghini at the time of the accident. The report further suggested that the vehicle may have been exceeding the speed limit when the tyre failed. While investigators are still finalizing the technical findings and expert analysis, the suggestion of excessive speed has sparked debate.

A key eyewitness, truck driver José Azevedo, who was traveling on the same road when the accident took place, has come forward to challenge the claims made in the official police report. According to Azevedo, the car was not speeding, and he has video evidence to support his statement. He explained that he had seen the car moments before the crash, and it did not appear to be moving at an unsafe velocity.

“I filmed it, I stopped my truck and tried to help, but sadly there was nothing I could do,” Azevedo said in a statement reported by the Daily Mail. “At the time, I didn’t know who was inside the car. I only later learned about the victims. My conscience is clear. I offer my deepest condolences to the family.”

Azevedo emphasized his familiarity with the area and the specific road where the crash happened. “I drive this road every day, from Monday to Saturday. I know it very well. It’s a dark road with poor visibility at night. I could clearly see the make and color of the car. From my observation, they were not speeding,” he added.

Adding further context to the situation, Spanish news outlet MARCA reported that a second truck driver also provided testimony. This individual claimed to have been overtaken by the Lamborghini approximately five minutes before the accident. He stated that the vehicle was traveling at what he described as a moderate speed, further contradicting the notion that reckless driving contributed to the crash.

While the final details of the investigation are still being processed, the testimonies from these eyewitnesses raise important questions about the initial assessments made by the authorities. They also bring comfort to the grieving family, who now have reason to believe that Jota and his brother may not have been at fault.

In the wake of the tragedy, Liverpool’s Chief Executive Officer Billy Hogan delivered a heartfelt tribute. “We have all been completely shocked by what has happened,” Hogan said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this incredibly difficult time. What we have seen from our fans the messages, the cards, the flowers demonstrates the deep connection Diogo had with this club. The words of our anthem, You’ll Never Walk Alone, truly mean something at a time like this.”

As investigations continue and the football world comes to terms with the loss, the memory of Diogo Jota and André Silva will remain in the hearts of millions who admired them on and off the pitch.