Estreito, MA, Brazil – A devastating incident occurred on the afternoon of December 22, 2024, when the Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge, a crucial transportation link connecting Aguiarnopólis in Tocantins and Estreito in Maranhão, collapsed. The event has significantly disrupted regional transportation and raised urgent concerns about infrastructure safety in the region.
The bridge collapse happened at approximately 2:50 p.m. local time when the central span of the bridge suddenly gave way. This failure resulted in vehicles, including at least one truck, plummeting into the Rio Tocantins below. Eyewitness videos shared on social media captured the terrifying moment, leaving the local community in shock and disbelief.
Tragically, the collapse led to the death of at least one person, an unidentified woman, and caused several injuries. Among those affected was the truck driver, who was rescued and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Emergency services, including the Maranhão Fire Department and the Federal Highway Police, were quickly dispatched to the scene to conduct rescue operations and manage the crisis.
The collapse of the bridge has caused widespread panic and significant disruption, particularly for residents who relied on the structure for their daily commutes between Tocantins and Maranhão. The bridge was also a critical part of the region's transportation network, connecting major highways such as the BR-226 and BR-230.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the collapse, with initial reports suggesting that potential warning signs of structural damage might have been overlooked. Maranhão Governor Carlos Brandão expressed his deep concern over the tragedy, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts. “We are maintaining close contact with the Ministries of Transport and Integration, as well as the National Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DNIT), to ensure that rescue and recovery operations are handled efficiently,” Brandão stated.
In response to the collapse, the DNIT has declared the BR-226 impassable and advised travelers to use alternative routes. Officials have pledged to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the incident, focusing on possible maintenance lapses and the overall safety of Brazil’s aging infrastructure.
Inaugurated in 1960 and spanning 533 meters, the Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge has long been a cornerstone of the regional transportation system. Its sudden collapse underscores the urgent need for investment in infrastructure maintenance to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the affected community deals with the aftermath, mourning the loss of life and facing logistical challenges, both residents and leaders hope that this devastating event will prompt a renewed focus on infrastructure safety and modernization across Brazil.
