A 39-year-old construction worker was killed in a freak accident after a glue-coated kite string reportedly wrapped around his neck while he was riding his motorcycle to work.

Cleuson Andrade Viana was traveling through the Paraíso neighborhood of Santana, Brazil, when he was struck by the dangerously abrasive line at around 6:20 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30.

The string was allegedly covered in “cerol,” a mixture of glue and abrasive materials sometimes used in competitive kite fighting to cut down rival kites.

But when the razor-like line falls across a road, it can become a deadly trap for unsuspecting motorcyclists and cyclists.

Disturbing images taken after the accident reportedly showed Viana sitting on a curb and desperately trying to stop the bleeding from his neck.

He later died from his injuries.

The Municipality of Santana confirmed his death in a statement the following day, saying the accident may have involved a “waxed” kite string.

Officials offered their condolences to Viana’s devastated family and said they hoped his loved ones would find the strength to cope with the “irreparable loss.”

Viana’s wife, Lenice Moreira, said her husband had left home in a happy mood that morning, never imagining he would not return.

“He left for work happy,” she told local news outlet G1.

Moreira described Viana as “an exceptional guy” and a “loving father.”

The grieving widow said the tragedy had shattered their entire family.

“Today, my children lost their father, my mother-in-law lost her son, my siblings lost their brother,” she said. “We are experiencing a grief that hurts, wounds and hurts everyone’s hearts.”

Moreira said she does not allow her 16-year-old son to fly kites because she understands how dangerous the activity can become.

She urged other parents to take similar precautions before another family is forced to suffer the same devastating loss.

Viana’s heartbroken mother also demanded justice.

“My son was everything to me,” she said. “My son was my life.”

She described him as a hardworking family man whose death had taken “a piece of my heart.”

Police Lieutenant Ângelo Silva said kite flying becomes especially popular during school and summer vacations, increasing the danger in busy public areas.

Authorities in Santana prohibit flying kites within about 200 meters of electrical lines, but officials say the rules are frequently ignored.

Silva urged motorcycle riders to wear helmets, protective clothing with higher collars and special safety antennas designed to catch kite strings before they reach a rider’s neck.

“Some motorcycles have double antennas, others only one,” Silva said. “The key is to always focus on prevention.”

Abrasive and waxed kite strings have caused serious injuries and deaths across Brazil and other countries for years.

Although the dangerous lines have been outlawed in certain regions, Brazil has not yet approved a nationwide ban.