A deadly bridge collapse in northeastern Brazil has killed four people and sent trucks loaded with toxic chemicals into a river, raising concerns about water contamination. The 533-meter-long Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira bridge collapsed on Sunday, causing over a dozen vehicles to fall into the Tocantins River.
Four people died in the incident, and three women and one man were among those confirmed dead. Thirteen people are still missing, but the search has been suspended due to the presence of sulfuric acid in the river. The trucks involved were carrying 25,000 liters of pesticides and 76 tons of sulfuric acid.
Brazilian authorities have warned residents not to drink or bathe in the river’s water, citing concerns about environmental damage. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and pledged support for local authorities during the emergency. An investigation into the bridge collapse is underway, with the National Department of Transport Infrastructure leading the inquiry.
The government has also announced plans to hire a new company to design and construct a new bridge that will be completed in about a year.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/thousands-liters-chemicals-dumped-brazilian-021220695.html