Diogo Jota car crash road was 'real danger' and 'full of potholes', according to locals

The tragic loss of Liverpool's Diogo Jota in a car crash has sparked outrage over the state of the road where the accident occurred. The 28-year-old Reds star and his 26-year-old brother, Andre Silva, were killed on Thursday morning on the A52 highway in Zamora, Spain, after their vehicle caught fire following the crash.

Spanish police suspect a tyre blowout during an overtaking manoeuvre may have led to the fatal incident. The A52 has come under heavy criticism online, with one individual condemning it as a "goat track" due to its poor condition. Lusa news agency reported that the Guardia Civil, who are investigating the crash, cited "the bursting of a tyre during overtaking" as the likely cause of the collision. Heartbreaking images of the wrecked car by the roadside have surfaced, intensifying the scrutiny of the highway's safety.

Social media users have expressed their concerns, with comments such as: "This is the highway/goat track where Diogo Jota and his brother died. I don't know if they had a puncture, or if an animal got in their way.... What I do know is that the A52 is in a deplorable state."

One individual further remarked: "You're absolutely right, when I come from France and I go to Vigo, I go through there and I'm always afraid of that road with all the potholes it has, it can break the suspension."

Another shared their experience: "I drove around it once in 2023, and I found it to be in a terrible state. I can't conceive that it is still not being resurfaced." Meanwhile, a fourth person warned: "The puncture is easy, the road is full of potholes, it's a real danger."

The football world has been united in mourning following the tragic passing of Liverpool star Jota and his brother, with an outpouring of tributes from celebrities, fellow players and fans alike.

Pedro Proenca, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, issued a moving tribute on Thursday, stating: "The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, this early morning, in Spain.

"Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 internationalizations for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.

"On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre Silva, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, lined up the players.

"The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA for a minute's silence, this Thursday, before the match of our national team with Spain, in the women's European Championship. Lost to two champs. The disappearance of Diogo and Andre Silva represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything to, daily, honor their legacy."

His club's statement read: "Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.

"Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre's family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support."