Watch: Bridge collapses in Brazil, tanker carrying sulfuric acid plunges into river

A bridge connecting two Brazilian states collapsed Sunday, killing at least one person and causing a sulfuric acid spill. The incident occurred on the BR-226 highway between Estreito, Maranhão, and Aguiarnópolis, Tocantins.
As per Reuters report, it was the central section of the 533-meter Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira Bridge that gave way as vehicles crossed.
A city councilman from Aguiarnópolis, Elias Junior, was filming a video highlighting safety concerns about the bridge when it suddenly gave way. During his recording, Junior was appealing to authorities to address the structural issues of the bridge, emphasising its inability to support heavy lorry traffic. As he was demonstrating a significant crack along the bridge’s shoulder, the whole structure started to crumble forcing him to retreat hastily.

As a result of the collapse, a tanker truck carrying sulfuric acid fell into the Tocantins River, according to the National Department of Transport Infrastructure.
Rescue workers confirmed one death and rescued one survivor. Preliminary reports quoted by Reuters indicate two trucks, a car, and a motorcycle also plunged into the river, which is over 50 meters deep, potentially involving 11 people.
Divers suspended their search Sunday evening after discovering a submerged tanker leaking sulfuric acid, the Tocantins fire department reported.
The bridge, opened in 1960, is a reinforced concrete structure. It forms part of the BR-226 highway linking Brasília to Belém, the planned host city for next year’s UN Climate Change Conference.