Friends and colleagues paid homage to 18-year-old motorcycle enthusiast David Miguel Gonçalves from Boliqueime, the latest victim of the infamous EN125 road. He died in a tragic accident on Tuesday (May 17) as he was driving his bike home, shortly after midnight, when it crashed into the side of a car that was merging onto the EN125 in Patã de Cima, Boliqueime.
The teenager was projected onto the opposite lane and is believed to have died on the spot, while the woman driver, 39, sustained minor injuries.
The group of friends, many colleagues from Alte’s vocational school (EPA), where Gonçalves was studying Food Processing and Quality Control, gathered at the site of the accident on Tuesday afternoon to express their sorrow for the death of David Gonçalves whom many described as an “experienced biker”. Many suggested the accident may have been caused by the lack of active traffic lights due to the ongoing roadworks on the EN125.
“He was very experienced, took part in many races and was even a member of Albufeira’s Moto Club,” a friend told Sul Informação online newspaper.
According to Correio da Manhã newspaper, the young man had bought his 600cc Yamaha bike around a year ago but had been taking part in motocross races since a young age.
Alte’s vocational school (EPA) lamented the young man’s death in a statement: “Today (Tuesday) is a very sad day for the EPA school community. Our student David Miguel Gonçalves tragically passed away in a road accident. In this difficult moment, we express our heartfelt condolences to all friends and family.”
Anti-toll group CUVI has blamed the accident on “those who implemented the motorway tolls on the A22”, pushing traffic onto the EN125, while CUVI member Michael Ferrada says the EN125 is an “urban road” which currently sees “the construction of 60 roundabouts in unexpected places”.
GNR police told the Resident that an investigation is in place to determine the circumstances of the accident.
michael.bruxo@algarveresident.com
