Teenage girl killed on motorway trying to rescue a cat in Brazil

Jaciannny Maria da Silva. Image: Mirror.co.uk.

A 17-year-old girl, Jaciannny Maria da Silva, tried to rescue a cat lying on the BR-423 highway, in Jupi, north-eastern Brazil and was hit by a car and killed. The story continues below the map showing the location of this motorway.

The girl was waiting for a school bus last Monday morning. Her name was Jaciannny Maria da Silva. News media tells me that the cat was lying on the road which is a motorway. That would imply that the cat had already been hit by the way but I don't know. The girl decided to go onto the motorway to remove the cat from it. As she crossed the road, she was hit by a Fiat Argo. I don't know the make and model. She was taken to a hospital suffering from multiple traumatic injuries and died shortly afterwards. The cat driver was breathalysed and passed the test.

Of course, the family are devastated. Her schools said in a statement: "it is with deep sorrow that we mourn the loss of our dear student Jacianny Maria da Silva, who passed away this morning, leaving a huge void in our hearts. Our sincere condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time. May they find comfort in the memories and the love she left as a legacy."

Jupi Municipality said: "We deeply regret the passing of Jacianny Maria da Silva, a victim of a tragic accident that occurred this Monday morning, 9 October 2023. The Municipality of Jupi, through Mayor Ant nio Marcos Patriota, expresses solidarity with her entire family and we ask the merciful God to welcome Jacianny into the eternal abode."

RELATED: Thankful kitten rescued from highway by police officer sets off siren on way to station (video).

Comment: I have read of people going onto the motorway before in America to rescue kittens which begs the question by the way how the kitten got onto the motorway in the first place. It is probably because somebody threw the kitten out of a car window as they drove down the motorway.

Professional rescuers can rescue cats and kittens from motorways because they are aware of the dangers. But I guess sometimes people misjudge the speed of the cars and they are so desperate to get the cat that they become careless.

I can recall another instance of a couple rescuing a cat when they were both hit and killed. That occurred in America as I recall.

I don't have a photo of the girl