On Saturday afternoon (7), a section of the bridge over the Paraíba River, located on BR-101 in Santa Rita, a part of the João Pessoa Metropolitan Region, collapsed. This incident was confirmed by the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT), which reported that the collapse occurred at one of the support points of the structure, causing two segments of the bridge to fall. Thankfully, no casualties were reported, as one lane of the bridge had been closed since September 2025 for emergency inspections and repairs.

The lane closure was a precautionary measure taken by DNIT to assess the structural integrity of the bridge, specifically affecting the right lane leading from Natal to João Pessoa at kilometer 77 of the federal highway. This proactive approach evidently played a crucial role in preventing any injuries, as the bridge was already closed to traffic and no work crews were present at the time of the collapse. By implementing these inspections, the DNIT aimed to ensure the safety of travelers using this important transportation route.

In light of this incident, the DNIT reiterated its commitment to maintaining the safety of infrastructure across the country and emphasized the importance of regular inspections. The collapse highlights the ongoing concerns regarding aging infrastructure and the need for continuous investment in maintenance and repairs to prevent similar occurrences in the future, which may otherwise pose significant risks to public safety.