Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge Collapse in Brazil Kills Two, 16 Missing; R$ 100 Million Allocated for 2024-2025 Reconstruction

Dec 23, 2024, 07:30 PM

A bridge connecting the states of Maranhão and Tocantins in Brazil collapsed on Sunday, resulting in at least two confirmed deaths and 16 people reported missing. The Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira Bridge, which spans 533 meters and was built in the 1960s, was a crucial link between the two states. At the time of the collapse, eight vehicles, including four trucks, two cars, and two motorcycles, were on the bridge. Two of the trucks were carrying sulfuric acid, which has complicated rescue efforts due to the risk of toxic contamination in the Tocantins River. The Brazilian government has announced plans to allocate over R$ 100 million for the bridge's reconstruction, with work expected to start in 2024 and be completed by 2025. A state of emergency has been declared to expedite the process. The Department of National Infrastructure of Transport (Dnit) had previously identified the need for repairs on the bridge, launching a tender in May 2024 for rehabilitation works valued at approximately R$ 13 million, which failed to attract any bidders. The collapse has prompted a federal investigation into the incident, with a focus on determining responsibility and assessing environmental impacts. The bridge, over 60 years old, had undergone maintenance costing R$ 3.5 million between 2021 and 2023. The incident has led to a 150 km detour for traffic, and the Dnit is currently inspecting over 9,000 structures nationwide. The depth of the river at the collapse site is estimated to be between 45 and 50 meters, adding to the challenges of the rescue operations. Authorities have advised residents of 19 municipalities to avoid contact with the river water due to the risk of contamination.