A TOURIST riding in an Uber taxi was shot dead in a hail of gunfire after her driver took a wrong turn into a dangerous suburb in Brazil.
Diely da Silva, 34, died instantly when the car she was in came under gunfire in Vargem Pequena, in the west of Rio de Janeiro.
Accounting manager Diely had been holidaying in the city ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Her driver, 34-year-old Anderson Pinheiro, was also shot but survived after being rushed to hospital for immediate treatment.
Military police investigating the shooting, which happened on December 28, believe the car could have been targeted for entering a gang’s territory after the driver took a detour.
Diely had travelled to Rio from her home in Jundiai, Sao Paulo state.
Local mayor Gustavo Martinelli said: “It is unacceptable that violence continues to take innocent lives, causing pain and suffering to so many families.
“May God comfort the hearts of all who are facing this irreparable loss.”
A friend of the victim, Maria Alves, said that Diely was inspiring, determined and “always had a smile on her face”.
Maria said: “I wish I had had time to invite you to be the maid of honour at my wedding, I was looking forward to it.
“Unfortunately, the world is cruel and violence took you away from us.”
Uber told local media they are cooperating with the police inquiry and that Diely’s family could be entitled to compensation under the ride platform’s insurance.
The taxi company said: “Uber deeply regrets that citizens who only want to work or move are victims of the violence that permeates our society.
“We share our feelings with the user’s family at this difficult time, and we hope that the authorities will bring those responsible to justice as soon as possible.”
Uber added: “All trips on the platform are covered by insurance and Uber always remains at the disposal of the security agencies to collaborate with the investigations.”
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