Everything we know about the Diogo Jota crash that killed Liverpool star

Tributes have flooded in for Liverpool striker Diogo Jota who was killed in a tragic car accident.

Jota, 28, was killed when the Lamborghini he was riding in with his brother André Silva, 26, left the road in Zamora in northwest Spain.

Here is everything we know so far:

Where was the tragic crash?

Details are still emerging about the fireball crash which took out a safety barrier on the side of the Spanish highway.

Ambulances rushed to the scene at kilometre 65 of the A-52 motorway to find the two brothers dead inside the charred sportscar, CNN Portugal reported.

Follow Metro’s live blog for full coverage of Diogo Jota’s death

What happened before the crash?

Little is known about what happened in the events directly leading up to the fatal collision that took place in the dark Spanish night.

A large tyre skid mark leads to the scene of the collision perhaps indicating the driver tried to brake moments before impact.

But the crash is being investigated as “a possible speeding incident”, a source from the Government Sub-delegation in Zamora confirmed to the PA news agency.

As accident investigators scour the scene, Spanish police initially released a statement confirming that a potential tyre blowout could have caused the crash.

They said: ‘The information we have so far is that the car, which was a Lamborghini, was in a road traffic accident and left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking.

‘It was in the early hours, 00.30 (23.30 BST), in the municipality of Cernadilla in the province of Zamora.

‘The car caught on fire and the two occupants were killed.’

Confirming the identities of the two men killed in the crash, the Guardia Civil added: ‘The player and his brother, André Silva.’

How do we know Diogo Jota was in the car?

Authorities confirmed that the bodies were unrecognisable, and DNA tests were required for formal identification with rescue efforts hampered by the vehicle fire.

The supercar’s licence plate and documents found inside the smouldering remains allowed the accident to be linked back to the Portuguese international and his younger brother. 

Where was Diogo Jota travelling to with his brother?

CNN Portugal is reporting that Diogo Jota was driving to the Spanish port of Santander, where he was supposed to catch a boat back to England to link up with his teammates.

He had allegedly been advised by doctors against catching a flight as he was recovering from surgery.

His last season was plagued with injuries, including a rib issue, but there was no confirmation of any surgery before his tragic death.

Who was driving the Lamborghini when it left the road?

Police have confirmed that the only two occupants killed were the Liverpool forward and his brother.

It is not clear who was driving the supercar at the time of the crash.

Was the highway Spain’s most dangerous road?

Jota’s car is believed to have crashed on the A-52 at Cernadilla near Zamora in northwestern Spain, close to the border with Portugal.

A recent poll by Spain’s Organisation of Users and Consumers found that Spanish drivers ranked the A-52 as one of the worst routes in the country due to the road condition and the lack of safety barriers.

Who has paid tribute to the Liverpool striker?

Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo was among the first to post a heartbreaking tribute to his international teammate and his brother.

‘It doesn’t make sense,’ he wrote.

‘Just now we were together in the national team, you had just got married.’

The striker sent his condolences to Jota’s family, wife and children, and adds: ‘I know you will always be with them.

‘Rest in Peace, Diogo e André. We will miss you.’

In a tribute on Instagram, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said he was heartbroken.

He said: ‘This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it!

‘I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre.

‘Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father!

‘We will miss you so much!

‘All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace.’

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told reporters he was also ‘devastated’ for the Jota family.

‘This is devastating news. I’m sure I speak for everyone in saying our first thoughts are going to be with his family and his friends in particular.

‘But it is devastating and it is really important that we bear in mind just how difficult a period it will be for his friends and for his family.’

Liverpool released a statement confirming the death.

‘Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.

‘The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.

‘Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.

‘We will continue to provide them with our full support.’