The town of Sidrolândia, nestled in the heart of Brazil’s Mato Grosso do Sul state, is reeling from a heartbreaking tragedy that claimed the lives of a mother and her three young children. Friends, neighbors, and loved ones gathered in grief to pay their final respects to Drielle Leite Lopes, 10-year-old Helena, 2-year-old João Lúcio, and 3-month-old José Augusto.

The fatal crash occurred Sunday night along the BR-060 highway, between Sidrolândia and the state capital, Campo Grande. The family had spent the day visiting Drielle’s mother to share joyful news—they had just purchased their first home.

On their way back, their vehicle was struck in a horrific crash involving a Corsa sedan driven by a mechanic. According to authorities, the driver was under the influence of cocaine and alcohol and attempted to pass a truck in a no-passing zone. He sideswiped the truck and then collided head-on with the family’s car, a Volkswagen Saveiro.

The impact was so severe that the Corsa veered off the road and caught fire. The driver, who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, was thrown from the car and sustained multiple fractures. He remains in the hospital under police custody and is now facing preventive detention as criminal proceedings begin.

The community was overcome with emotion during the wake, held at Sidrolândia’s City Council. Grief, anger, and shock filled the room as mourners tried to come to terms with the senseless loss.

Drielle’s husband, who was driving the Saveiro, survived with minor injuries but is devastated. Their 12-year-old son, the only one of the children to survive the crash, remains hospitalized after enduring five surgeries for fractures to his legs, arms, and jaw. Doctors say he is expected to recover.

The tragedy has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of drunk and drugged driving laws. For the grieving family and the community at large, the demand is clear: justice—not only to hold the driver accountable but to help prevent other families from enduring such unimaginable pain.