Diving work and the use of underwater drones in the search for those missing from the collapse of the Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira Bridge, on BR-226, between the municipality of Maranhão and Aguiarnópolis, in Tocantins, were suspended this Thursday (2), informed the Navy from Brazil. The operation will continue only with the use of vessels and unmanned aerial equipment.
According to a note released by the Command of the 4th Naval District, the interruption occurred due to the need to open the floodgates of the hydroelectric plant operated by the Estreito Energia Consortium (Ceste). The demand was motivated by a higher incidence of rain in the region, making it necessary to increase the reservoir’s flow volume. “By adopting this procedure, Ceste intends to regularize the dammed volume”, explains the statement.
The hydroelectric plant’s flow had been reduced by the National Electric System Operator (ONS) in order to maintain water storage in the reservoir in safe conditions so that searches could take place.
On Wednesday (1st), work was concentrated on rescuing a model S-10 pickup truck, submerged 42 meters deep, in which no victims were identified. To date, 12 deaths have been confirmed and five people are missing..
Since the beginning of the operation, communication channels have been made available with the Brazilian Navy for information on possible situations that could pose any risk on the waterways, both for human life and environmental pollution. Occurrences can be reported by calling the Maritime and River Emergency Hotline (185) and the Maranhão Port Authority, 0800-098-8432 and (98) 2107-0121.
Collapse
Located over the Tocantins River, the Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira Bridge connected the states of Maranhão and Tocantins, until December 22, 2024, when it collapsed in the late afternoon, as several vehicles were passing through. Among them, tanker trucks loaded with sulfuric acid and agricultural pesticides were identified.
A crisis room to level information on water quality analyzes of the Tocantins River was established by the National Water and Basic Sanitation Agency (ANA), with the participation of several environmental bodies. In two meetings already held, the bodies confirmed the absence of significant changes in water quality.
According to the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), the companies responsible for the loads of three trucks that fell into the river were notified to remove the submerged substances and water quality monitoring is carried out daily due to the risk of water leakage and contamination, damaging the water supply.
Investigation
The Regional Superintendencies of the Federal Police in Maranhão and Tocantins are conducting investigations to determine who is responsible for the collapse of the bridge. A reinforcement team with two civil engineers, two crime scene specialists and an environmental specialist was moved from Brasília to reinforce the forensic work at the site.
Reconstruction
On December 31, 2024, the Ministry of Transport informed that the company that will be responsible for the bridge reconstruction works has already been hired on an emergency basis, with a planned investment of R$171 million. The Penedo-Neópolis Consortium will be responsible for the works, which should be completed by December 2025.
“The new bridge will have a shoulder, sidewalk, cycle path and will be 7 meters wider than the previous one. This value includes the demolition of the current bridge, new foundations and the improvement of access to both cities”, concluded the general director of the National Department of Transport Infrastructure, Fabrício Galvão.
