Official reports from Brazilian authorities or rescue teams

Brazil's Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge Collapse Over Tocantins River Kills Three, 16 Missing; Reconstruction Planned

Dec 23, 2024, 03:00 PM

A bridge collapse in Brazil, connecting the states of Tocantins and Maranhão, has resulted in at least three deaths and 16 people reported missing, including three children. The Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira Bridge, which spans 533 meters over the Tocantins River, collapsed on Sunday, causing 10 vehicles, including four trucks carrying sulfuric acid and pesticides, three cars, and three motorcycles, to fall into the river. The incident has led to a toxic spill, prompting authorities to issue warnings against using the river water in 19 municipalities due to contamination risks. The Brazilian government has declared a state of emergency and allocated over R$100 million for the bridge's reconstruction, with plans to begin work in 2024 and complete it by 2025. The Minister of Transport, Renan Filho, has also announced the opening of an inquiry to investigate the causes of the collapse and to hold those responsible accountable. The Navy, led by Almirante Olsen, is set to deploy a diving team to assist in the search for the missing individuals.