Ba-Vi Derby in Salvador Marked by Violence and Deaths

The derby between Bahia and Vitória, known as Ba-Vi, was marked by acts of violence, clashes between organized supporter groups, vandalism against public transit, and deaths in Salvador. The episodes resulted in arrests carried out by security forces in the capital of Bahia.

Clashes and death of a supporter

A man identified as José Alexandre Souza Borges, 28, was killed after being attacked with a bladed weapon during a brawl on Via Regional, in Cajazeiras. The victim was rescued and admitted to an Intensive Care Unit, but succumbed to his injuries. According to the Military Police, the attack involved members of the Torcida Uniformizada Os Imbatíveis (TUI), linked to Vitória, against a Bahia supporter identified as a member of Bamor.

Footage recorded by witnesses captured moments of panic and chases at the scene. The Civil Police reported that a second death, of 19-year-old Lucas dos Reis Bonfim, which occurred in the Castelo Branco neighborhood, was also mourned by Bamor, although initial investigations and police agencies do not indicate a direct link between the two homicide cases.

Arrests and seizures of materials

During searches near Avenida 29 de Março and Via Regional, police officers located a group of people and made arrests. Six men were caught in the act and charged with aggravated murder, attempted murder of four other people, possession of explosive devices, and inciting a riot, a crime under the Supporter's Statute.

From the suspects, teams seized knives, brass knuckles, fireworks, homemade explosive devices, and spray cans. In addition, dozens of people were taken to local police stations for processing and to file police reports for acts of vandalism.

Attacks on public transit

The movement of supporters also resulted in damage to the bus fleet in different regions of Salvador. According to the Municipal Mobility Secretariat, incidents were recorded in the neighborhoods of Pirajá, Plataforma, and Pernambués.

At Pirajá Station, a backup fleet vehicle had one of its doors damaged after being pushed by a group. In Plataforma, a firecracker was thrown at a bus's windshield, injuring the driver. Meanwhile, in Pernambués, a window and an exhaust fan of another vehicle were destroyed.

Soccer match

Hours after the episodes of violence recorded in the city, the Brazilian Championship match was played at the Barradão Stadium. Bahia defeated Vitória 2-0, with goals scored by Alejo Véliz and Jean Lucas.

With information from G1, Gazeta Esportiva, A TARDE.