Two dead after wind blade truck overturns in South America

The people who died were in one of two pickups which were impacted by the truck, Brazil’s Federal Highway Police said. The accident occurred at 5pm on 9 November near the city of Petrolina. 

The people in the other pickup involved were not injured. Breathalyzer tests carried out on the drivers of both the pickup and the truck showed no signs of alcohol consumption, police said.

GE confirmed to Windpower Monthly that the truck was carrying a blade to Neoenergia’s 566.5MW Oitis wind complex in the neighbouring state of Piaui. The complex is due to begin commercial operations next year.

“GE is saddened to learn of this tragic vehicle accident. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of the individuals involved,” the turbine company told Windpower Monthly in a statement.

“Safety is our first priority, and we are working closely with the transport company in response to this incident,” it added.

Cranes were used to dismantle and remove the truck and the blade from the highway, which was only fully reopened to traffic late the following day after the accident.