A search is underway for a man who drove into a flooded river and mysteriously disappeared – while his wife’s body was found inside the vehicle.
João Luiz dos Santos, 56, is thought to have accidentally driven into an area that provides access to a river, without knowing his car was about to be dragged along with it.
Surveillance footage shows the chilling moment João drives his pickup truck straight into the submerged road on 4 November.
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It’s understood the pickup truck was dragged around 130ft along the Ivinhema River, where the body of João’s wife, Estela Tomazetto, was found.
However, a search has been launched to find João after his body had vanished from the vehicle.
Police are also investigating reports that the two had spent the day consuming alcohol. This may have impaired their perception of the looming danger, police say.
It’s understood the area in Mato Grosso do Sul state, southwestern Brazil, had experienced severe flooding in recent weeks.
The water on a number of nearby roads had reached higher than the wheels of the pickup.
Police say the couple may have mistaken the river access ramp for another section of road that was simply covered by water.
In the footage, the taillights can be seen flashing as the driver applies the brakes and engages reverse gear.
Police believe this showed he was trying to move the vehicle out of danger.
According to investigator Gustavo Oliveira, there is no evidence to support a femicide or suicide case.
The police chief said there are no signs the couple were engaged in an argument, or that she was being forced to remain in the sinking vehicle.
He added that the couple had no history of domestic violence disputes.
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