Lorries carrying hazardous chemicals plunge into a river after a deadly bridge collapse in Brazil

A deadly bridge collapse in northern Brazil has sparked fears of widespread water contamination, after lorries carrying thousands of litres of sulphuric acid and pesticides plummeted into the Tocantins River. The tragedy occurred on Sunday afternoon when the central span of the Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira bridge—connecting Tocantins and Maranhão states—gave way.

The collapse claimed at least four lives, including the female driver of a chemical-laden truck and an 11-year-old girl. More than ten people remain missing, as rescue teams race against time to locate survivors amidst the chaos. Dramatic footage captured by local councillor Elias Junior, who had been inspecting visible cracks in the bridge, shows the moment the structure crumbled into the river.

Elias Junior, visibly shaken, admitted, “I never thought the bridge would actually collapse. I’m in shock.” His efforts to raise awareness about the bridge’s instability now serve as a chilling reminder of the disaster’s preventability.

The aftermath is equally grim. Eight vehicles, including three lorries carrying toxic substances, plunged into the water. While the extent of the chemical leakage remains unclear, authorities have halted diving operations to assess the threat posed by the hazardous materials. Residents in nearby cities, Estreito and Aguiarnópolis, have been warned to avoid using river water for any purpose until further notice.

The Tocantins River, a vital resource for thousands of people, now faces the looming threat of contamination. Environmental experts have expressed concern over the potential long-term damage to ecosystems and public health. If sulphuric acid and pesticides leak into the water, the consequences could be catastrophic, poisoning aquatic life and endangering the livelihoods of those dependent on the river.

Rescue teams, operating from boats, recovered four bodies and managed to save one man alive on Sunday. However, the precarious conditions and the presence of dangerous chemicals have hampered search efforts. “We’re prioritising safety, but every second counts,” a fire service spokesperson stated.

The bridge, a critical artery built in the 1960s, spans over half a kilometre across the Tocantins River and serves as the primary link between the two states. Its collapse has disrupted not only transportation but also the lives of countless residents reliant on the bridge for daily commutes and trade.

As investigators probe the cause of the disaster, questions are mounting about the maintenance and safety standards of Brazil’s ageing infrastructure. For locals, the disaster is a stark reminder of the fragility of structures they rely on daily.

Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and await updates on the environmental assessment. For now, the towns on either side of the river—grieving their losses and facing an uncertain future—are left grappling with the toxic fallout of a disaster that many believe could have been prevented.