One Year On: Slow Progress in Investigating Bridge Collapse on BR-319 in Amazonas

It has been a year since the tragic collapse of the bridge over the Curuçá River at kilometer 23 of BR-319 in Amazonas, and the final report on the incident is still pending. The aftermath of this devastating event, which occurred on September 28 last year, resulted in the loss of five lives and left more than 10 individuals injured. Vehicles were flung into the river, prompting the installation of a temporary bridge to maintain the flow of traffic along the highway.

Investigations in Limbo

The National Department of Infrastructure and Transport (Dnit) has revealed that the technical report probing the causes of the bridge collapse has yet to be concluded. Despite the incident shedding light on the precarious state of infrastructure along BR-319, there has been no official statement from Dnit regarding the underlying reasons behind the tragedy. The agency has deferred commenting on the matter until the completion of investigations by the Civil Police and the issuance of the technical report by the Institute of Technological Research (IPT), tasked with identifying the factors that led to the bridge's collapse.

Ongoing Efforts and Challenges

Efforts to untangle the complexities surrounding the collapse have been met with hurdles. The Civil Police of Amazonas (PC-AM) reported that the Police Inquiry remains incomplete, awaiting crucial documentation from Dnit to progress with the investigation. Questions posed to the state Public Security Secretariat (SSP-AM) regarding the status of the inquiries have thus far yielded no responses, signaling a lack of transparency or delay in the investigative process.

In a bid to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the bridge collapse, the PC, SSP, and Federal Police in Amazonas carried out a simulation earlier this year. This reconstruction aimed to replicate the vehicles' tonnage on the bridge at the time of the incident, aiding investigators in evaluating the stress placed on the structure.

Progress Amidst Challenges

The investigation has proven to be arduous, with delegate David Jordão highlighting the multifaceted nature of the case. With 60 pages of testimonies and intricate technical reports covering legal and engineering aspects, the pursuit of truth and accountability in this tragedy demands time and meticulous examination. The reconstruction served as one phase in a comprehensive investigation, marking a crucial step towards reaching a definitive conclusion and presenting findings to the authorities for further action.

As the Civil Police delves deeper into unravelling the circumstances surrounding the collapse, the Federal Police is concurrently conducting its own inquiry. Material gathered during the reconstruction was forwarded to the Federal Police in Brasília for additional analysis, underscoring the collaborative efforts to bring clarity to this incident.

Ongoing Reconstruction Efforts

Despite the passage of time, Dnit continues its operations to clear the debris left behind from the collapsed bridge. With the removal of rubble nearing completion, the focus has shifted towards the foundation of a new bridge. However, challenges persist, as certain submerged remnants necessitate additional efforts before the debris removal process is finalized.

Dnit has encountered further complications in managing transportation along the affected route. The ferry that had been functioning as a temporary bridge post-collapse had to be immobilized due to the receding water levels of the Curuçá River. This development posed additional logistical challenges, forcing a reevaluation of transportation alternatives in the interim.

In conclusion, a year on from the tragic bridge collapse on BR-319 in Amazonas, the quest for answers and justice lingers. The intricate investigations, collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies, and ongoing reconstruction endeavors underscore the gravity of this incident and the imperative to prevent such tragedies in the future. The road to closure may be long and winding, but dedication to transparency, accountability, and infrastructure resilience remains paramount in honoring the memory of those affected by this catastrophe.