Mar 9 • 14:30 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil G1 (PT)

Truck full of soybeans falls into river in São Miguel do Guaporé, RO

A truck carrying soybeans overturned and fell into the São Joaquim River in São Miguel do Guaporé, Brazil, during a detour due to ongoing construction of a concrete bridge.

On Sunday afternoon, a truck loaded with soybeans fell into the São Joaquim River in the rural area of São Miguel do Guaporé, Rondônia. The accident occurred around 2 PM near a construction site for a concrete bridge, which has forced vehicles to take a provisional detour. According to local residents, the truck lost its balance while navigating a sharp curve, resulting in it rolling over onto wooden logs that were supporting the embankment. This led to the collapse of the terrain, causing the truck to plunge into the river.

The 26-year-old driver was fortunately rescued by bystanders and was conscious, thus did not require medical assistance. However, a portion of the soybean cargo was lost to the river as the grains fell into the water during the incident, and the truck itself was left partially submerged. Local residents have voiced concerns, citing previous accidents at this same detour and highlighting the challenges large vehicles face while maneuvering through the sharp curve, which raises questions about the safety measures in place while the bridge construction is ongoing.

This incident reflects broader issues surrounding infrastructure development and road safety in rural Brazil, where many communities rely on agricultural transportation. The permanence of this construction site and the associated detours continue to pose risks not only for drivers but also for local residents, as they navigate the temporary changes in their transportation routes. The local government may need to assess the safety protocols in place to prevent future accidents as similar situations have been reported in the past.

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