A FOOTBALL club has pledged that tragic twins Afonso and Domingos will “never be forgotten” after they were among six people who died in a devastating head-on collision in Portugal.
The 20-year-old siblings, their dad Domingos Serrano, 55, wife Maria Joao, 51, and two others all died in the early hours of Saturday.
The family had just rented a Nissan Juke at Faro Airport before they smashed into another vehicle on the IP2 main road near Castro Verde.
The 19-year-old girlfriend of one of the twins, who is believed to be of Polish descent but residing in the UK, also perished in the accident, along with the other driver, 36-year-old Ruben Goncalves.
Local reports said Goncalves, from Almodovar, worked at the Neves-Corvo zinc-copper mine and had a four-year-old son.
Thetford Town Youth FC, where the twins once played, paid tribute in a heartfelt Facebook post.
The statement from Thetford Town Football Club expressed: “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Serrano family and the local Portuguese community following the recent terrible incident while on their holiday.”
“Afonso and Domingo were integral members of our U18 team over the past few years, and both brothers tragically passed away in Portugal with their parents and friends in a heart-wrenching car accident.”
The club announced that their loss would create a “massive void” in the local community, ending with a Portuguese expression that means: “They are gone, but they will never be forgotten.”
It added in a separate post: “They will be sadly missed. Condolences to all their family. Rest in peace.”
Shocked locals have also shared their condolences online.
Heidi Smith commented: “Absolute shock a lovely family and will be missed.”
Michelle Jermy commented: “Absolutely heartbreaking. Such a loss, condolences to all who are grieving, and thinking of family, friends, and the wider community coping with the sorrow from this sad news. Rest in peace.”
Louise McLaughlin, from Thetford, said: “Absolutely heartbreaking. Rest in peace.”
Tania Marques Da Cruz wrote: “My most sincere condolences to all those killed. I hope their souls rest in peace.
“It’s so sad to hear of people leaving their homeland and friends in search of a better life and then have their lives end like this. How unfair life is.”
Cesar Caleiro said: “My sincere condolences to the loved ones of those killed. Mourao must rally round to comfort the families of the victims.”
The crash happened around 1.40am on a stretch of road where the speed limit is 49mph.
The family – originally from Mourao in the Evora district but long settled in England – had landed at Faro Airport just hours earlier and were driving north for their summer break.
Domingos, believed to live in Thetford, Norfolk, had celebrated his 55th birthday only two days before boarding the flight to Portugal.
A source close to the investigation said the wreckage was so severe “officers could only recover half a number plate” before piecing together who was inside.
The grim discovery came after the couple’s daughter called police, unable to reach her parents or brothers after hearing about the crash.
The insider said: “With the information she gave them officers made checks with the hire car firm at Faro Airport and tragically discovered a match.
“That was how they were able to confirm the identities of the five occupants in the car with the four members of the same family inside.”
The GNR police force is investigating the cause of the smash.
Mourao town hall has declared two days of mourning from Sunday.
A spokesman said: “There were four occupants in the car, all from Mourao, and a young woman with ties to the family.
“Residents of England, they were traveling from Faro to Mourao for their usual and well-deserved vacation.
“It is with great sadness that the Municipality announces this information, offering its condolences to the families and friends of the victims.
“We inform you that all activities and events promoted by the Municipality are cancelled for the entire weekend.”
