Brazil Bridge Disaster: Search Continues for Missing Persons

In a tragic turn of events, a woman's body was discovered, raising the death toll to nine after a bridge in northern Brazil collapsed. The bridge, linking Maranhao and Tocantins states, gave way on Sunday, causing several vehicles to plummet into the Tocantins River. Authorities confirmed that four trucks, two cars, and two motorcycles were swallowed by the river. The bridge, which is over 500 meters long, was built back in the 1960s. Despite rescue efforts, eight people remain unaccounted for. The incident has sparked concern about the maintenance and safety of old infrastructure in the region. The bridge, located about 1, 300 kilometers north of Brasilia, was a vital link between the cities of Estreito and Aguiarnopolis. The collapse has disrupted travel and trade, highlighting the urgent need for proper upkeep of such structures. The navy and police forces are working together to locate the missing individuals. The search has been challenging due to the river's strong currents and the remote location. Moreover, the collapse has raised questions about the government's investment in infrastructure and its ability to keep these critical routes safe.