Bridge Collapse Results in Truck Carrying Acid Falling into River; Fatalities Reported
A truck transporting sulfuric acid fell into the Tocantins River following the collapse of a bridge in Brazil on Sunday, resulting in at least two fatalities. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
At least two individuals have died, and several others are reported missing after a tragic incident in Brazil.
On Sunday, a truck carrying sulfuric acid fell into the Tocantins River when a bridge collapsed. This disaster has resulted in the confirmed deaths of two people, with several individuals unaccounted for, prompting difficulties in rescue operations due to the leak of hazardous chemicals.
The bridge, measuring 550 meters long, connected the cities of Estreito in Maranhão and Aguiarnópolis in Tocantins. It collapsed while various vehicles, including several cars and two trucks, were crossing. One truck was definitely carrying sulfuric acid; the contents of the other vehicle have not yet been disclosed.
Local sources indicate that among the deceased are a 25-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man, with at least eight people still missing.
In the aftermath of the incident, rescue operations were temporarily halted to assess safety measures and reduce the risk of environmental damage from the leaking acid. Search efforts resumed by nightfall, shifting from divers to boats provided by the Military Firefighters Corps. Authorities are maintaining strict oversight of the situation, prioritizing the safety of all involved.
The Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira Bridge, constructed over 60 years ago, had been a point of concern for some time. A local deputy had recently been documenting the bridge's deteriorating condition and unintentionally captured the moment it collapsed.
The video footage shows the deputy pointing out a significant crack along the bridge's shoulder before it suddenly gave way, forcing him to flee.
Investigation into the cause of the collapse is ongoing, with initial findings indicating structural failure attributed to the simultaneous passage of multiple heavy trucks. The National Department of Transport Infrastructure reported that the central span of the 533-meter-long bridge collapsed, causing vehicles to fall into the river, which reaches depths of over 50 meters.
This critical bridge served as a vital link on the BR-226 highway, facilitating travel between Brasília and Belém, where next year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference is set to occur. The incident has led to a complete closure of the road, with the DNIT offering alternative routes for travelers.
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News
On Sunday, a truck carrying sulfuric acid fell into the Tocantins River when a bridge collapsed. This disaster has resulted in the confirmed deaths of two people, with several individuals unaccounted for, prompting difficulties in rescue operations due to the leak of hazardous chemicals.
The bridge, measuring 550 meters long, connected the cities of Estreito in Maranhão and Aguiarnópolis in Tocantins. It collapsed while various vehicles, including several cars and two trucks, were crossing. One truck was definitely carrying sulfuric acid; the contents of the other vehicle have not yet been disclosed.
Local sources indicate that among the deceased are a 25-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man, with at least eight people still missing.
In the aftermath of the incident, rescue operations were temporarily halted to assess safety measures and reduce the risk of environmental damage from the leaking acid. Search efforts resumed by nightfall, shifting from divers to boats provided by the Military Firefighters Corps. Authorities are maintaining strict oversight of the situation, prioritizing the safety of all involved.
The Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira Bridge, constructed over 60 years ago, had been a point of concern for some time. A local deputy had recently been documenting the bridge's deteriorating condition and unintentionally captured the moment it collapsed.
The video footage shows the deputy pointing out a significant crack along the bridge's shoulder before it suddenly gave way, forcing him to flee.
Investigation into the cause of the collapse is ongoing, with initial findings indicating structural failure attributed to the simultaneous passage of multiple heavy trucks. The National Department of Transport Infrastructure reported that the central span of the 533-meter-long bridge collapsed, causing vehicles to fall into the river, which reaches depths of over 50 meters.
This critical bridge served as a vital link on the BR-226 highway, facilitating travel between Brasília and Belém, where next year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference is set to occur. The incident has led to a complete closure of the road, with the DNIT offering alternative routes for travelers.
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News
