On May 12, a traffic accident in Jundiaí, Brazil, caused an unprecedented ecological disaster. A truck carrying five 1,000-liter tanks of blue dye overturned on a highway near the city’s Botanical Garden, located 75 kilometers from São Paulo. Two of the tanks completely emptied into the Lake of the Tulips, turning its waters a deep blue and severely affecting local wildlife.

The dye, intended for the packaging industry, contained acetic acid, an organic compound also found in vinegar. While local authorities, including Colonel João Gimenez of Jundiaí's Civil Defense, stated that the substance is not highly toxic and the lake could recover its natural state quickly, the immediate effects were devastating.

The NGO Mata Ciliar, responsible for rescuing wildlife, reported that fish died instantly upon contact with the dye due to a sudden drop in the water’s pH. Birds, capybaras, and other animals were also stained blue. Some were rescued and underwent detox baths with activated charcoal, but many remain in the affected area.

This incident highlights the vulnerability of ecosystems to industrial accidents and the urgent need to review regulations on the transportation of chemical substances. Although the spilled dye is less hazardous than other compounds, its impact on the biodiversity of the Jundiaí Botanical Garden has been significant.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation and work on restoring the ecosystem. It is expected that in the coming weeks, the lake will return to its normal color and acidity. However, the event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prevention and rapid response in the face of environmental disasters.