At least two people were killed, and several others are still missing following the incident in Brazil.
A truck carrying sulfuric acid plunged into the Tocantins River when a bridge collapsed in Brazil on Sunday. The disaster has claimed at least two lives, with several individuals still missing as divers were forced to halt rescue operations due to a chemical leak.
The 550-meter-long bridge, which connects the cities of Estreito in the state of Maranhao and Aguiarnopolis in Tocantins, collapsed while multiple vehicles were crossing, including several cars and two trucks. One of the tankers was confirmed to be carrying sulfuric acid, while the contents of the other vehicle remain unknown.
Local reports indicate that a 25-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man were among those who perished, while at least eight people are considered missing.
Following the incident, rescue efforts were briefly suspended to ensure safety and prevent further environmental damage from the leaking acid. By nightfall, search operations resumed using boats instead of divers from the Military Firefighters Corps. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and prioritizing the safety of all involved.
Ponte Juscelino Kubitschek de outro ângulo! pic.twitter.com/cFE4LR3GQH
— Pavão Misterious 𝕏 🇧🇷 (@misteriouspavao) December 22, 2024
The Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira Bridge, which is just over 60 years old, had been a subject of concern for some time. A local deputy captured video footage of its deteriorating condition, inadvertently recording the exact moment of its collapse.
The video shows him pointing out a large crack on the shoulder of the bridge before it suddenly gave way, forcing him to run back.
This man was talking about how this old bridge in Brazil wouldn’t support the heavy vehicles that pass through it for much longer. And then…..yup you guessed it (watch til the end) pic.twitter.com/ifrlFU72nH
— Jayroo (@jayroo69) December 23, 2024
The exact cause of the collapse is under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest structural failure due to the weight of multiple heavy trucks crossing simultaneously. The National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT) reported that the central span of the 533-meter-long bridge caved in, causing the vehicles to plummet into the river, which is over 50 meters deep.
The collapsed bridge was a critical link on the BR-226 highway connecting Brasília to Belém, where the United Nations Climate Change Conference is scheduled to take place next year. The incident has resulted in a complete road closure, and DNIT has provided alternative routes for travelers.
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Após desabamento de ponte, veículos seguem parados: “Aguardando para ver como faz”
Um homem registrou a situação de veículos que seguem parados sobre a ponte Juscelino Kubitschek, após parte da estrutura ter desabado. A ponte, que faz a ligação entre os estados de… pic.twitter.com/GwfqyeeFaj
— O Despertar👽🛸 💫 (@AnnaMonteiroAn1) December 22, 2024
