The collapse of the Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge over the Rio Tocantins has resulted in tragedy and chaos for commuters between Tocantins and Maranhão. Occurring on Sunday, December 22, 2024, around 14h50, the catastrophic incident has left one person confirmed dead, one rescued, and two reportedly missing, according to officials.
The bridge, which connects the municipalities of Estreito and Aguiarnópolis, is integral for local traffic and was originally opened back in 1960. Video footage captured the moment the structure began to give way, startling witnesses and leading to immediate rescue efforts. "Lamentamos pelas vítimas do colapso da ponte..." stated Maranhão's Governor Carlos Brandão, expressing condolences for those affected. He confirmed the loss of life and mentioned the coordination between state and federal agencies working to assist the victims.
Rescue operations began swiftly as teams from both the Corpo de Bombeiros of Maranhão and Tocantins dived to search for potential survivors and recover those still missing. Reports from the scene indicated at least eleven people had suffered injuries, with one victim suffering from severe fractures after being transported to the local hospital.
According to the Minister of Transport, Renan Filho, "O vão central da estrutura de 533 metros de extensão cedeu..." meaning the central span of the bridge collapsed, necessitating immediate closure of the crossing. Emergency services faced the challenge of retrieving submerged vehicles, and early estimates suggested at least five vehicles fell alongside the bridge's downfall.
Governor Wanderlei Barbosa of Tocantins also took to social media to announce his commitment to support the rescue efforts. "Nos unimos no apoio ao resgate de vítimas..." he declared, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the emergency response. He confirmed the precarious conditions of the site, reporting the depth of the water exceeded 50 meters.
With the bridge now closed and its structural integrity compromised, the Departamento Nacional de Infraestrutura de Transportes (DNIT) was quick to offer alternative routes for travelers. Those coming from Tocantins were directed to take the road from Darcinópolis to Luzinópolis, leading to BR-230 and eventually to São Bento, before transitioning toward Axixá and Imperatriz. For vehicles heading from Maranhão, the recommended diversion involved via BR-226 to Porto Franco, followed by BR-010 onward to Imperatriz.
The precarious safety of the bridge had been discussed prior to the disaster, illustrating growing concerns over its deterioration. Authorities now face mounting pressure to investigate the causes of the collapse thoroughly, and plans are underway to begin assessing the bridge's structure post-recovery efforts.
The collapse of the Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge marks a significant crisis for the states of Maranhão and Tocantins, necessitating swift action from local governments and federal agencies. Residents and officials remain on high alert as search and rescue missions continue under the difficult conditions of the Rio Tocantins, compounded by the region’s challenging weather as night falls.
Community leaders are advocating for immediate reviews of similar infrastructure to prevent such tragedies from reoccurring. The deaths and injuries have galvanized local officials, catalyzing them to push for enhanced oversight and maintenance of aging transport links throughout Brazil.
The ramifications of this event could echo far beyond the immediate loss, potentially reshaping safety protocols and prioritizing repair efforts for other vulnerable structures across the country. Residents await updates with bated breath, hoping for news on the missing and reflecting on the fragility of their transport system.
