Concerns Rise Over Water Contamination Following Bridge Collapse in Northern Brazil
A catastrophic bridge collapse in northern Brazil over the weekend has raised alarms over potential water contamination. This tragic event occurred when multiple lorries carrying large quantities of pesticides and sulfuric acid plunged into the river below.
The collapse of the central span of the bridge linking the Tocantins and Maranhão states resulted in four confirmed fatalities, with over ten individuals reported missing after the incident on Sunday afternoon.
Authorities are currently uncertain about the extent of chemical leakage from the vehicles involved, prompting the suspension of diving operations in the river as they assess the situation.
Eyewitness footage captured by a local councillor highlighted the moments leading up to the disastrous collapse, showcasing visible cracks in the structure.
Councillor Elias Junior expressed his disbelief at the bridge’s sudden failure during his visit to document the damage. In total, eight vehicles fell into the river, including three lorries loaded with hazardous materials.
Residents of Estreito and Aguiarnopolis, the towns adjacent to the river, have received warnings to refrain from collecting water from it in light of the unfolding crisis.
Rescue teams are actively conducting operations from boats. So far, four bodies have been recovered, including a female truck driver and an 11-year-old girl, with one individual successfully rescued alive from the river on Sunday.
The Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira Bridge, spanning over half a kilometre, has served as a vital connection across the Tocantins River since its construction in the 1960s.
