Taxi Driver Loses Vision After Hitting Open Manhole in Rio de Janeiro

A taxi driver in Rio de Janeiro's Zona Norte suffered a serious eye injury after his car struck an open manhole during a heavy rainstorm on May 23, 2025. Thiago Calunga Silva, 39, was driving at approximately 20 km/h when his taxi hit the uncovered sewer, causing the vehicle to be lifted and thrown forward. The impact deployed the airbags, and Silva's cell phone, mounted on the dashboard, was propelled into his face, resulting in a severe eye injury. "The loss of vision is irreversible," said a doctor at the hospital where Silva underwent surgery. Águas do Rio, the concessionaire responsible for the sewage system in the area, has stated that a team was dispatched to the site on Sunday evening to assess the situation and that another team would return on Monday to replace the manhole cover. This incident underscores the need for better maintenance of urban infrastructure and highlights the risks posed by inadequate road conditions during heavy rainfall. The incident has raised concerns about safety and infrastructure maintenance in the city, prompting calls for improved oversight and preventative measures.