A bridge in Brazil collapsed, spilling sulfuric acid into a river, confirming one death and a rescue of another individual. The incident involved vehicles falling into a deep river, following prior concerns about the bridge’s integrity. City councilman Elias Junior was recording a video urging repairs when the collapse occurred. Rescue efforts were hindered by leakage from a submerged tanker.
Recently, a tragic incident occurred when a bridge in Brazil collapsed, resulting in the spillage of sulfuric acid into a river. The collapse has led to the confirmed death of one individual, while another was rescued. The incident involved multiple vehicles, including two trucks, a car, and a motorcycle, all of which plunged into the river, which reaches depths of over 50 meters (164 feet). The bridge, identified as the Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira Bridge, had been a vital connection along the BR-226 highway since its inauguration in 1960. City councilman Elias Junior, who had been advocating for repair of the bridge, was filming a video at the time of the collapse. Preliminary reports suggest that at least 11 people were involved in the accident.
The Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira Bridge serves an important role in connecting Brazil’s federal capital, Brasilia, to the northern city of Belem. Constructed in 1960, this reinforced concrete structure has endured significant traffic, including that from heavy trucks, raising concerns about its structural integrity. City officials had previously noted visible damage to the bridge, which may have contributed to the collapse. Reports from the Tocantins fire department indicated that divers ceased further rescue efforts upon discovering a leaking tanker submerged in the river, presenting additional environmental concerns due to the hazardous materials involved.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity for regular infrastructure assessments, particularly for aging structures such as bridges. The loss of life underscores the importance of addressing infrastructural safety to prevent future tragedies. Furthermore, the environmental implications resulting from the release of toxic substances, such as sulfuric acid, require urgent attention from local authorities to mitigate any long-term damage to the river ecosystem.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
