533-metre Brazil bridge falls, acid tanker spill sparks safety concerns; Videos goes viral

A catastrophic bridge collapse in Brazil on Sunday has left the nation reeling. The 533-meter-long bridge, connecting the states of Maranhão and Tocantins, crumbled into the river below, plunging vehicles and a tanker truck carrying sulfuric acid into the water.

Tragedy strikes as bridge gives way

The bridge, originally constructed in 1960 and named the "Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira Bridge," collapsed dramatically, sending a tanker truck, two additional trucks, a car, and a motorcycle into the river. The river, reportedly 164 feet deep, quickly became the site of a major rescue operation.

Initial efforts to save the victims were hindered when the tanker truck's cargo of sulfuric acid leaked into the water, raising environmental and safety concerns. As of now, one fatality has been confirmed, with over 10 individuals sustaining injuries.

Brazil bridge horror: Fatal collapse and toxic spill

A tragic disaster struck Brazil on Sunday as the Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira Bridge collapsed, leaving at least one dead and unleashing a hazardous sulfuric acid spill. pic.twitter.com/0FwccWWCXt

— RT (@RT_com) December 23, 2024

Chilling collapse captured on camera

Elias Junior, a city councilman from Aguiarnópolis, was present at the site and recorded the tragic event on video. His footage, now widely circulated on social media, shows him highlighting the bridge's deteriorating condition moments before the collapse.

In the video, Junior pointed out large cracks and warned that the structure was unfit to handle heavy vehicles. Tragically, the collapse occurred as he recorded, providing an unintentional documentation of the disaster.

Aging infrastructure under scrutiny

The bridge, constructed with reinforced concrete, was a critical link between Maranhão and Tocantins. Despite its historical significance, the aging structure had long been a source of concern among local residents and officials.

Authorities have since halted rescue operations due to the sulfuric acid leak. Investigations are underway to determine the precise cause of the collapse and address safety measures for other aging infrastructure across the country.