Father Guaraciba dies in accident on SP-338 highway

On the afternoon of Friday, September 18, 2026, the Abrão Assed Highway (SP-338) in Mococa was the scene of a serious accident that took the lives of a priest and a woman. Parish priest Guaraciba Lopes de Oliveira Júnior, 71, and the driver of a Citroën Basalt died at the scene, while vicar Francisco dos Santos, 80, was seriously injured and hospitalized at the Mococa Emergency Care Unit (UPA).

The accident on Abrão Assed Highway

The incident occurred around 2:00 PM at kilometer 278, on the northbound lane of the highway. The driver attempted to overtake a tractor-trailer and collided with the side of the vehicle, which spun out and crashed head-on into a Toyota Cross, carrying the priests and the car's driver.

The driver of the Citroën, whose identity was not released, died at the scene. The driver of the Corolla, 56, sustained minor injuries. The tractor-trailer driver was unhurt, and a breathalyzer test yielded a negative result.

Incident report and aftermath

The case was registered as vehicular manslaughter and negligent bodily injury at the Mococa Police Station. The closure of lanes in both directions caused a 500-meter traffic jam, with traffic flowing along the shoulders. A tow truck from the DER Basic Assistance Unit (UBA) was dispatched to the scene to provide assistance.

Diocese of Guaxupé's reaction

In a statement, the Diocese of Guaxupé expressed deep sorrow over Guaraciba's passing and solidarity with his family, friends, parishioners, and the diocesan community. The diocese asked for prayers for the recovery of Francisco dos Santos and highlighted the priest's dedication to his ministry in São Domingos, Poços de Caldas, and São Sebastião do Paraíso.

Pastoral history of the priests

Guaraciba served as pastor of the São Domingos Parish in Poços de Caldas since May 2023. He and Francisco dos Santos also served for 22 years at the São José Parish in Muzambinho, and previously for 9 years at the São José e Dores Parish in Alfenas, leaving a legacy of strong pastoral engagement.

Next steps and tributes

Guaraciba's family has been notified of his death and will gather to decide on the burial location. The Diocese will release further details regarding the wake and funeral services soon.

With information from G1, Jornal do Sudoeste, PocosCom.