Brazilian authorities are investigating after a bridge collapsed Sunday, killing no less than 4 folks and sending vehicles loaded with sulfuric acid and pesticides plunging right into a river, elevating considerations about water contamination.
More than a dozen persons are lacking after the 533-meter-long Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira bridge – which connects the northeastern cities of Estreito and Aguiarnópolis – gave approach. Four vehicles, three vehicles, and three motorbikes fell into the Tocantins River, in line with the state-run Agencia Brasil information company.
Three ladies and one man died within the collapse, Agencia Brasil reported, citing the Maranhão Fire Department.
The vehicles have been carrying about 25,000 liters of pesticides and 76 tons of sulfuric acid, in line with the National Agency for Water and Basic Sanitation, elevating considerations about environmental harm. Authorities warned residents to not drink or bathe within the river’s water.
CNN Brazil reported that the seek for the lacking was suspended due to the sulfuric acid within the river.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva despatched his condolences to the households of the victims in a submit to social media Monday, and mentioned his authorities will assist native authorities in coping with the emergency.
Brazil’s National Department of Transport Infrastructure has opened an investigation into the reason for the collapse, the federal government mentioned in an announcement.
The Navy will even deploy gear and boats to proceed the seek for the 13 people who find themselves lacking, the federal government mentioned.
The authorities additionally mentioned it can rent a brand new firm for the design and development of a brand new bridge that can be prepared in a couple of yr.
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