Truck carrying acid plunges into river after deadly bridge collapse in Brazil

In Brazil, a tragic bridge collapse occurred on Sunday, December 22, 2024, affecting the Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira bridge that connects the cities of Estreito in Maranhão and Aguiarnopolis in Tocantins. The disaster happened as multiple vehicles were crossing the bridge, with initial reports confirming that at least two people died—a 25-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man. Additionally, several individuals remain missing, including children, with estimates suggesting at least eight people are unaccounted for. The collapse also caused a truck carrying sulfuric acid to plunge into the Tocantins River, further complicating rescue efforts due to concerns of chemical contamination. As emergency crews attempted to conduct search operations, it was reported that divers had to suspend their efforts due to the potential risk posed by the acid spill. The bridge, which was previously highlighted as being in disrepair and unsafe for heavy traffic, caved in under the load of vehicles crossing it at the time. Eyewitness accounts noted a local politician capturing video footage that showed significant cracks and structural failure just moments before the bridge gave way. The bridge itself was built in the 1960s, and concerns about its structural integrity had been raised by residents long before this catastrophic event. Local authorities and Brazil's road department have since launched investigations into the incident to determine the cause of the collapse and to assess responsibility. This incident unfolded amidst a series of tragic events in Brazil, including a separate bus crash in Minas Gerais that claimed 41 lives and another plane crash that resulted in multiple fatalities. The bridge failure not only represents a loss of life but also raises significant questions about infrastructure safety in Brazil, with citizens expressing frustration over longstanding issues of neglect regarding the nation's aging structures.