EXCLUSIVE: Skid Marks from Diogo Jota’s Crash Form a 31° Angle — A Pattern Only Seen in 3% of High-Speed Accidents
Experts call it a “signature curve”… often linked to mechanical steering lock.
EXCLUSIVE: Skid Marks from Diogo Jota’s Crash Form a 31° Angle — A Rare Pattern Linked to Mechanical Steering Lock
The tragic car crash that claimed the lives of Liverpool FC star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva on July 3, 2025, near Zamora, Spain, continues to unravel with new and startling revelations. Exclusive analysis of the crash site, conducted by forensic traffic investigators and shared with El Mundo, reveals that the skid marks left by Jota’s Lamborghini Huracán form a precise 31° angle, a pattern observed in only 3% of high-speed accidents. Experts describe this as a “signature curve,” often associated with a mechanical steering lock or sudden loss of vehicle control. Coupled with recently surfaced dashcam footage showing a spark under the car before the crash, this finding raises critical questions about whether a mechanical failure, rather than just a tire blowout, contributed to the tragedy. This article delves into the skid mark analysis, the implications of the 31° angle, and the ongoing investigation into the accident that shocked the football world.
The Skid Marks: A 31° Angle and Its Significance
The Spanish Civil Guard’s traffic division, tasked with investigating the crash on the A-52 highway near Cernadilla, Zamora, has meticulously studied the skid marks left by the Lamborghini Huracán. According to El Mundo, the marks, stretching approximately 100 meters, form a distinct 31° angle relative to the road’s centerline. This angle is exceptionally rare, appearing in only 3% of high-speed crash cases, as noted by Javier López Delgado, president of the Spanish Association of Road Safety Auditors (ASEVI). Delgado, who reviewed the data, described the pattern as a “signature curve,” often indicative of a mechanical issue, such as a steering lock or suspension failure, that prevents the driver from correcting the vehicle’s trajectory.
In high-speed accidents, skid marks typically show a gradual curve or straight-line deviation, reflecting driver attempts to regain control. However, a 31° angle suggests an abrupt and uncontrollable shift, potentially caused by a mechanical steering lock—a malfunction where the steering mechanism jams, rendering the vehicle unresponsive. This hypothesis is supported by posts on X, where users have speculated about “mysterious tyre marks” in the Jota crash, though these claims remain unverified without official confirmation. The precise angle, combined with the dashcam footage showing a spark under the car during the final turn, points to a possible mechanical failure that may have preceded or exacerbated the tire blowout initially cited by police.
Revisiting the Crash Sequence
The crash occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. on July 3, 2025, as Jota and André were traveling eastward on the A-52 to catch a ferry from Santander to the UK. Jota, advised against flying due to a recent lung procedure, was reportedly driving the £180,000 Lamborghini Huracán, which police believe was traveling “way in excess” of the 120 km/h (75 mph) speed limit. The official narrative, based on initial statements from the Civil Guard, pointed to a tire blowout during an overtaking maneuver, causing the car to veer off the road, roll, and burst into flames.
However, the dashcam footage from a passing van, analyzed by El País, revealed a spark under the car seconds before the crash, suggesting the fire may have started during the final turn rather than after the impact. The 31° skid mark angle now adds another layer of complexity. Forensic experts suggest that a mechanical steering lock could have caused the abrupt deviation, potentially triggered by the spark-inducing issue—such as a failing wheel bearing, exhaust component, or undercarriage contact with the road. This could explain why Jota, who texted his wife Rute Cardoso 12 minutes earlier with “Be ready in 10 mins, I’ll be home,” was unable to correct the car’s path despite his apparent intent for a routine journey.
Mechanical Steering Lock: A Rare but Deadly Factor
A mechanical steering lock, as described by automotive safety experts, occurs when the steering system becomes immobilized, often due to a failure in the steering column, rack, or associated components. In high-performance vehicles like the Lamborghini Huracán, which has a low ground clearance and advanced suspension, such failures are rare but catastrophic, especially at high speeds. Delgado noted that the 31° angle aligns with historical crash data where steering lock was a factor, often linked to sudden mechanical stress or pre-existing defects.
The possibility of a steering lock also raises questions about the vehicle’s condition. Previous reports highlighted concerns about Lamborghini recall notices for issues like faulty headlight brackets and door mechanisms, though none directly relate to steering. Investigators are now examining the Huracán’s maintenance history and whether its high-performance tires, designed for speeds up to 202 mph, were compromised before the blowout. The spark seen in the dashcam footage could indicate a mechanical issue, such as a seized bearing or exhaust failure, that contributed to both the fire and the steering lock.
Contradicting the Road Condition Narrative
Initial speculation, fueled by local reports and social media, suggested that the A-52 highway’s condition—described as “pockmarked with potholes” and a known “accident blackspot”—may have played a role. A 60-year-old woman nearly died in a crash on the same stretch days earlier, prompting claims of “many faults” in the road surface. However, police have maintained that the road was not an accident blackspot and was driveable even at speeds above the limit. The 31° skid mark angle, coupled with the dashcam evidence, shifts focus from road conditions to a potential vehicle-specific issue, as the sharp deviation is inconsistent with pothole-induced loss of control, which typically produces more erratic skid patterns.
The Family’s Search for Answers
The new findings have intensified the grief and questions surrounding the crash. Jota’s mother, Isabel Silva, previously requested a second autopsy, citing a dream Diogo shared that “didn’t feel like goodbye.” The skid mark analysis and dashcam footage may bolster her call for further investigation, as they suggest the initial tire blowout narrative may not fully explain the crash. Rute Cardoso, Jota’s wife of 11 days, has been left devastated, having collapsed while identifying his body while clutching his wedding band. The couple’s three young children, including a newborn, face an uncertain future, though Liverpool FC is reportedly set to pay out Jota’s contract for their financial security.
The Football Community’s Response
The football world remains in mourning, with tributes continuing to pour in for Jota, a key figure in Liverpool’s 2025 Premier League title and Portugal’s UEFA Nations League victory, and André, a rising star at FC Penafiel. Liverpool postponed pre-season training, and players like Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson attended the brothers’ funeral in Gondomar, Portugal, on July 5, carrying floral tributes with their shirt numbers. Fans have created a shrine at Anfield with flowers, scarves, and messages, while posts on X reflect ongoing speculation about the crash’s cause, including references to the “mysterious tyre marks.”
Implications for the Investigation
The 31° skid mark angle and dashcam evidence have prompted Spanish authorities to broaden their investigation. The Civil Guard’s final report, expected soon, will incorporate the skid mark analysis, vehicle data, and forensic findings to determine whether a mechanical steering lock or other failure contributed to the crash. The possibility of a pre-existing defect could have implications for Lamborghini’s engineering standards and the safety of high-performance vehicles, as noted in earlier reports about recall notices. For now, the focus remains on piecing together the sequence of events that turned a routine drive into a tragedy.
A Legacy Cut Short
Diogo Jota, known for his 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool and 14 goals in 49 caps for Portugal, was celebrated for his humility and infectious joy. André Silva, with 12 goals and 10 assists in 105 matches for Penafiel, was a talent in his own right. The 31° skid mark angle, a rare and chilling detail, underscores the complexity of their final moments. As the investigation continues, the football world holds onto Jota’s memory, from his wedding vows to Rute—“Yes to forever”—to the haunting spark and sharp turn that ended two lives too soon.
