Bridge Collapse Tragedy in Brazil Sparks Environmental Concerns

Fears of a toxic spill linger as four lives are lost and many remain missing after a tragic bridge collapse in northern Brazil, leading to hazardous chemicals spilling into the river.

A catastrophic bridge collapse in northern Brazil has left a community in mourning and raised serious environmental concerns. The incident occurred on a Sunday afternoon when the central span of the Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira bridge, a critical infrastructure linking the Tocantins and Maranhão states, suddenly gave way. Tragically, four individuals have been confirmed dead and over ten are still missing.

In a shocking turn of events, the collapse sent eight vehicles plummeting into the Tocantins river, including three lorries loaded with thousands of litres of pesticides and sulphuric acid. The situation has prompted immediate action from local authorities, who have warned residents in the nearby cities of Estreito and Aguiarnopolis against using the river water for any purpose, fearing contamination.

Local councillor Elias Junior captured dramatic footage prior to the collapse, which highlights the alarming state of the bridge with visible cracks. He expressed his disbelief about the bridge's failure, stating he never anticipated such a disaster during his visit.

Diving operations aimed at recovering those missing have been temporarily suspended as officials assess the extent of the leak from the chemical containers. While rescue efforts continue from the water's surface, recovery teams have managed to locate four bodies, including that of a female truck driver and an 11-year-old girl. One individual was rescued alive from the water on the same day as the collapse.

Constructed in the 1960s, the over half-kilometre bridge served as a vital connection for the two states across the Tocantins river, making this tragedy not only a loss of life but also a significant infrastructure disaster for the region.