Brazilian under-construction bridge collapses

A concrete viaduct that was under construction in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte collapsed on July 3, killing at least two people. The bridge over Pedro I avenue was about 3 km from the Mineirao Stadium World Cup venue and was an infrastructure project linked to the tournament, designed to improve public transport in the city.

Some media have quoted eyewitnesses as saying the collapse occurred as workers removed supports from the structure. There has also been angry local reaction to the collapse with some witnesses claiming the project was being rushed due to missed deadlines.

A statement from Cowan, the Belo Horizonte-based contractor carrying out construction of the overpass said it “remains supportive and offering full support to the victims and their families following the accident with the overpass under construction in Belo Horizonte.”

It added that all the materials and procedures being used met the standards required. It added that it had launched its own investigation into the collapse and would publish the results in 30 days, and that once authorities release the site it would demolish and remove the collapsed structure.