Brazilian authorities are investigating a tragic incident after a bridge collapsed on Sunday, killing at least four people and causing trucks carrying hazardous materials to plunge into a river, raising concerns about potential water contamination.
The collapse occurred on the 533-meter-long Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira Bridge, which connects the northeastern cities of Estreito and Aguiarnópolis. The disaster sent four trucks, three cars, and three motorbikes into the Tocantins River. More than a dozen people are still missing.
According to the Maranhão Fire Department, the victims included three women and one man. The trucks involved were transporting approximately 25,000 liters of pesticides and 76 tons of sulfuric acid, which has raised significant environmental concerns. Authorities have advised locals to avoid drinking or bathing in the river’s water.
The search efforts for the missing were temporarily halted due to the presence of sulfuric acid in the river.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his condolences to the families of the victims in a social media post on Monday, promising that his government would assist local authorities in managing the emergency.
The National Department of Transport Infrastructure has launched an investigation into the cause of the bridge collapse, according to a government statement.
The Brazilian Navy will deploy additional equipment and boats to aid in the search for the 13 people still missing.
Additionally, the government announced plans to hire a new company to design and build a replacement bridge, with the goal of completing it within a year.