A bridge linking two states in the north and north-east of Brazil collapsed yesterday (Sunday) while cars were crossing, killing at least one person and spilling sulphuric acid into the Tocantins River.

According to the National Infrastructure Administration, the central part of the 533-metre-long bridge linking the towns of Estreito in Maranhão State and Aguiarnopolis in Tocantins State collapsed, a truck carrying the acid fell into the water, one person was confirmed dead and another was rescued.

According to initial estimates, at least 11 people were involved in the accident, with two trucks, a car and a motorbike falling into the river, which is more than 50 metres deep.

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