# Retired Professor Dies After Being Struck by Vehicle in Mossoró A 79-year-old man was fatally injured while attempting to cross the BR-304 highway. - **Source:** [G1 – Globo](https://g1.globo.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [world](https://brifing.si/c/world) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/0375c193-5624-4d06-851e-1ba9cf78136b ## Fatal Highway Collision A 79-year-old retired professor, Elias Florêncio de Souza, died following a vehicle collision on the BR-304 highway in Mossoró. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon near the local bus terminal. The victim was attempting to cross the busy roadway on foot when he was struck by a passing car. ## Emergency Response Efforts The Fire Department and the Mobile Emergency Care Service, known as SAMU, arrived promptly at the scene to provide initial medical assistance. Responders encountered significant challenges due to the victim's unstable condition. The severity of his injuries complicated the immediate logistics required for a safe transport to the regional medical facility. ## Hospitalization and Outcome Elias Florêncio de Souza was transported to the Tarcísio Maia Regional Hospital for urgent medical intervention. Despite the efforts of the medical team, he succumbed to his injuries before the surgical procedure could commence. The hospital staff confirmed his passing shortly after his arrival at the emergency department on Tuesday afternoon. ## Ongoing Police Investigation Local authorities have officially registered a police report regarding the fatal incident. The Civil Police have initiated an investigation to determine the specific circumstances surrounding the collision. Investigators will analyze the site conditions and potential witness accounts to clarify how the pedestrian was struck while crossing the BR-304 highway segment. ## Highway Safety Context The BR-304 is a major transit route connecting Mossoró to Fortaleza, experiencing high traffic volumes daily. Pedestrian crossings on such highways present significant risks, especially near transit hubs like the Mossoró bus terminal. Authorities frequently emphasize the dangers of crossing these high-speed roads outside of designated pedestrian infrastructure or safety zones. ## Infrastructure and Pedestrian Risks Urban planning experts often highlight the vulnerability of elderly pedestrians when navigating high-speed transit corridors. The proximity of the terminal suggests a high density of foot traffic, which may not always align with existing safety measures. This incident underscores the persistent challenge of balancing vehicular speed with safe pedestrian access points. ## Legal Procedures Following Accidents In Brazil, fatal traffic accidents trigger mandatory police inquiries to establish potential criminal liability. The investigation will evaluate whether the driver was speeding, distracted, or if environmental factors contributed to the collision. Findings from the Civil Police will eventually be submitted to the public prosecutor to decide on any further legal actions. ## Community Impact and Legacy The loss of a retired professor marks a somber moment for the Mossoró community. Such accidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety awareness for both drivers and pedestrians. Local officials are expected to review traffic management near the terminal to prevent future tragedies on this highway. ## Sources covering this story - https://g1.globo.com/rn/rio-grande-do-norte/noticia/2026/11/11/professor-aposentado-morre-apos-ser-atropelado-na-br-304-em-mossoro.ghtml — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._