Bridge Collapse in Brazil Leaves Two Dead and a Dozen Missing
A Brazilian councilor’s warning about a bridge in poor condition turned into a tragic reality when the structure collapsed, resulting in two deaths and a dozen missing people. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, with four trucks, two cars, and two motorcycles on the bridge at the time of the collapse.
The councilor’s video, which went viral on social media, showed the moment of the collapse. The footage depicted the cement floor opening up, and the councilor’s voice could be heard describing the possible causes of the collapse due to infrastructural deterioration.
The Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira Bridge, which spans over half a kilometer, is a crucial connection between Maranhao and Tocantins. The bridge was built in the 1960s, and its collapse has raised concerns about the state of the country’s infrastructure.
Investigation and Rescue Efforts
The causes of the collapse are still being investigated, but it is known that the central beam of the bridge gave way. The National Department of Transportation Infrastructure is leading the investigation.
The rescue efforts have been challenging due to the presence of sulfuric acid in two of the trucks that were on the bridge. The acid has contaminated the water under the bridge, making it difficult for rescue teams to search for the missing people. The Federal Road Police (PRF) has warned about the possible toxic contamination of the water.
The search work was interrupted on Monday morning, and firefighters are working to find a way to resume the search. The water supply in the area has also been suspended as a precautionary measure.
A Challenging Recovery Process
The recovery process is expected to be challenging due to the presence of toxic substances in the water. The authorities are working to find a way to safely resume the search for the missing people.
The incident has raised concerns about the state of Brazil’s infrastructure and the need for regular maintenance and inspections to prevent such tragedies.