A bridge connecting two Brazilian states collapsed Sunday, killing not less than one individual and inflicting a sulfuric acid spill. The incident occurred on the BR-226 freeway between Estreito, Maranhão, and Aguiarnópolis, Tocantins.
As per Reuters report, it was the central part of the 533-meter Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira Bridge that gave manner as automobiles crossed.
A metropolis councilman from Aguiarnópolis, Elias Junior, was filming a video highlighting security issues in regards to the bridge when it abruptly gave manner. Throughout his recording, Junior was interesting to authorities to deal with the structural problems with the bridge, emphasising its lack of ability to assist heavy lorry visitors. As he was demonstrating a major crack alongside the bridge’s shoulder, the entire construction began to crumble forcing him to retreat swiftly.
Because of the collapse, a tanker truck carrying sulfuric acid fell into the Tocantins River, in response to the Nationwide Division of Transport Infrastructure.
Rescue staff confirmed one dying and rescued one survivor. Preliminary experiences quoted by Reuters point out two vans, a automobile, and a motorbike additionally plunged into the river, which is over 50 meters deep, doubtlessly involving 11 individuals.
Divers suspended their search Sunday night after discovering a submerged tanker leaking sulfuric acid, the Tocantins hearth division reported.
The bridge, opened in 1960, is a bolstered concrete construction. It types a part of the BR-226 freeway linking Brasília to Belém, the deliberate host metropolis for subsequent yr’s UN Local weather Change Convention.
