Brazilian authorities are currently investigating a tragic incident that occurred on Sunday when a bridge collapsed, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals. The collapse of the 533-meter-long Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira bridge, which connects the cities of Estreito and Aguiarnópolis in northeastern Brazil, led to the plunge of several vehicles, including trucks loaded with sulfuric acid and pesticides, into the Tocantins River.
According to reports, four trucks, three cars, and three motorbikes fell into the river, leading to concerns about potential water contamination. The trucks were carrying significant amounts of pesticides and sulfuric acid, prompting authorities to issue warnings against using the river water for drinking or bathing.
Tragically, three women and one man lost their lives in the collapse, as confirmed by the Maranhão Fire Department. The search for more than a dozen missing individuals had to be suspended due to the presence of sulfuric acid in the river, as reported by Source Brazil.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his condolences to the victims' families and pledged government support to local authorities in managing the emergency situation. The National Department of Transport Infrastructure has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the bridge collapse.
In response to the incident, the Navy will be deploying equipment and boats to aid in the search for the missing individuals. Additionally, the government announced plans to hire a new company for the design and construction of a new bridge, which is expected to be completed within a year.
