Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his brother's autopsy could take several days, with his family reportedly being given psychological support.
The footballing world is in mourning after Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, died in a fatal car crash in the Zamora area of Spain. Reports from Portugal suggest that Liverpool forward Jota was on his way to catch a ferry to the UK, as he was advised against flying following lung surgery.
At kilometre 65 of the A-52 motorway, the area's Civil Guard's initial investigations revealed that their vehicle had suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking and subsequently crashed. Both passengers were declared dead after medical personnel arrived at the scene, with the car having caught fire.
Portuguese outlet Jornal de Noticias has given some indication regarding the process of Jota's autopsy, revealing that it may take "several days." The bodies of Jota and his brother were taken to the Zamora Institute of Forensic Medicine.
"The bodies are at the Zamora Institute of Forensic Medicine, where all the necessary tests will be carried out to confirm the identities of the victims," the Spanish government's deputy delegate in Zamora, Angel Blanco, said. "DNA tests may be necessary and should be sent to the National Institute of Toxicology in Madrid."
The A-52 road in Spain
The A-52 road in Spain where the accident occurred (Image: Emilio Fraile/PA Wire)
However, the bodies will only be transported to Portugal following the autopsies. While it is unknown how long this may take, Blanco added: "The results may take several days."
It was also made clear that the fire after Jota's vehicle had crashed made "identification difficult" for those who had tended to the bodies.
Other reports have stated that Jota's family has arrived in the region where he passed away. The Regional Government of Castilla y Leon has sent psychological support teams to assist the grieving family, starting at 9:30am local time.
A spokesperson for the Civil Guard said: "The investigation into the crash is being carried out by Civil Guard traffic officers.
Diogo Jota with the Premier League trophy
Jota celebrated winning the Premier League with Liverpool in May (Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
"We believe the car suffered a blowout from the marks on the road. The full police report once it is completed will be submitted to a duty court in Zamora which has launched an ongoing judicial investigation into this crash.
"That report is going to take time to complete, probably about four or five days but possibly longer. At this moment in time it is impossible to say at exactly what speed the car was going.
"But that is something the Civil Guard investigators will be able to detail at least approximately in their final report from things like the skid marks. What I can confirm is that no other vehicle was involved and no-one else was hurt."