Bridge collapses in Brazil, sulfuric acid spills into Tocantins River

(CLO) A bridge connecting two northern and northeastern Brazilian states collapsed on Sunday afternoon while vehicles were traveling. The accident killed at least one person and spilled sulfuric acid into the Tocantins River.

Brazil's National Transport Infrastructure Agency said the middle span of the 533-meter bridge, which connects the cities of Estreito (Maranhao state) and Aguiarnopolis (Tocantins state), collapsed. A tanker carrying sulfuric acid fell into the river, causing serious environmental damage.

The collapsed bridge between Aguiarnopolis and Estreito, in Brazil, December 22, 2024. Video screenshot: Renan Brites Peixoto

One person has been confirmed dead, while another was rescued, according to firefighters. Aguiarnopolis City Councilman Elias Junior recorded a video criticizing the poor condition of the bridge shortly before the disaster. In the video, he points to a large crack in the bridge’s curb and then, moments later, the structure collapses before his eyes, forcing him to flee.

Initial estimates show that at least 11 people were present at the scene of the accident, when two trucks, a car, and a motorbike fell into the river more than 50 meters deep.

By the evening of the same day, rescue divers were forced to suspend their work after discovering that the tanker was leaking sulfuric acid underwater. This is a chemical that poses a serious risk of pollution and threatens the ecosystem of the Tocantins River. The Tocantins State Fire Department is working with environmental agencies to assess the level of danger and come up with a solution.

The Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira Bridge, inaugurated in 1960, is a reinforced concrete structure located on the BR-226 national road. This route connects the capital Brasilia with the city of Belem, which will host the United Nations Climate Change Conference next year.

Prior to the collapse, residents and local officials had repeatedly warned about the bridge’s deteriorating condition, especially its inability to withstand the heavy loads of trucks. However, the warnings appear to have been ignored by the central government.

The bridge collapse has not only caused loss of life but also pushed the region into an environmental emergency. Federal and local authorities are quickly mobilizing to assist the victims and deal with the aftermath.

Hong Hanh (according to Reuters, Indiatime)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/sap-cau-o-brazil-axit-sulfuric-tran-vao-song-post326980.html