CAAGUAZÚ – A fatal traffic accident on Thursday evening has placed Senator Silvio “Beto” Ovelar (ANR-HC) at the center of an ongoing investigation. The incident occurred around 20:00 on Route PY02 at kilometer 177, in the Colonia Walter Insfrán area, according to ABC Color, citing the Subcomisaría 54ª.
The victim was identified as Celso Vera, 51, a resident of the same colony, who was struck by a black 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser. The vehicle was driven by Mario Rubén Rivas Cubas, a resident of Coronel Oviedo. ABC Color reports that Senator Ovelar was traveling as a passenger and that both he and the driver emerged uninjured.
The case is being handled by the Unidad Penal Nº 4 under prosecutor Gustavo Chamorro. Forensic doctor Fredy Flores determined the cause of death as severe cranioencephalic trauma and hypovolemic shock. The victim’s body was released to family, while the driver and vehicle remain in custody at Comisaría 2ª de Caaguazú, as per ABC Color.
El Nacional adds that the accident has sparked public outcry and political scrutiny, given Ovelar’s prominence as a senator since 2004, former president of the Senate, and former governor of Caaguazú. As of now, authorities have not released a full official report on responsibilities, and the investigation continues.