Construction worker Cleuson Andrade Viana, 39, died after a kite line coated with an abrasive glue—commonly called cerol—cut his neck while he was riding a motorcycle in Santana, Amapá, on June 30. Images show Viana attempting to stem the bleeding after the strike. Family members have called for justice and authorities warned that coated kite lines remain a serious public-safety risk, urging riders and parents to take precautions.
Motorcyclist Killed After Glue‑Coated Kite Line Cuts His Neck During Commute in Amapá
A generic photo of a red kite with a string flying against a blue sky.Credit: Diane39/Getty
Cleuson Andrade Viana, a 39-year-old construction worker, died after a kite line reportedly coated with an abrasive glue wrapped around his neck while he was riding a motorcycle in Santana, Amapá, on June 30.
What Happened
Local authorities and news reports say the incident occurred at about 6:20 p.m. in the Paraíso neighborhood. Witnesses and published images show Viana sitting on a curb attempting to stem the bleeding after the line—believed to have been coated with cerol, a wax-and-abrasive mixture used in competitive kite fighting—severed his neck.
Official Response and Family Reaction
The Municipality of Santana posted on Facebook expressing solidarity with Viana's family and offering condolences. Viana’s wife, Lenice Moreira, described him as "an exceptional guy" and a loving father who left for work in good spirits and never returned. She said the family is devastated and urged other parents to keep children away from kite flying because of the danger.
A generic photo of a person flying a kite.Credit: V2images/Getty
“My son was everything to me. My son was my life,”
Viana’s mother told reporters, adding that she wants justice for her son.
Safety Concerns and Regulations
Lieutenant Ângelo Silva of the military police warned that kite flying rises during the summer holidays and noted the persistent use of sharp or coated lines. Santana’s municipal guidance says it is prohibited to fly kites within 200 meters of power lines, but enforcement is uneven and some residents continue to break the law.
Authorities recommended practical precautions for riders, including wearing helmets at all times (even on mopeds or e-bikes), donning shirts with higher collars, and using protective motorcycle antennas to reduce exposure to stray lines.
Broader Context
The danger posed by abrasive, sharp-edged kite lines has been a recurring public-safety issue across Brazil. Some municipalities have banned the use of waxed or abrasive-coated lines, but there is no nationwide ban. Safety advocates have pushed for broader restrictions to prevent further tragedies.
Key facts: The incident occurred on June 30 at ~6:20 p.m. in Santana’s Paraíso neighborhood; the line is believed to have been coated with cerol; Viana was 39 and left behind family including a 16-year-old son. Investigations and calls for justice are ongoing.
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