On the afternoon of Thursday, October 12th, two wooden utility poles collapsed on RJ-107, a road in the Serra Velha region of Petrópolis, causing significant traffic disruption. The incident was reported around 2 PM by the Rio de Janeiro Department of Roads (DER-RJ), which noted that the wooden poles, likely corroded due to their age, failed unexpectedly. In response, Enel Rio, the local energy company, dispatched a team to the site to replace the damaged poles, with repairs expected to be completed by early Friday morning, October 13th.

Residents nearby reported that the collapse might have been triggered by a tall truck that was passing down the road, which allegedly snagged the telecommunications wires connected to the poles. This contributed to the failure of the structures, highlighting potential safety concerns about the road's clearance and the maintenance of infrastructure within the area. Fortunately, after collaborative efforts between the DER and the energy company, the issue was resolved, and the roadway has since been reopened to traffic.

This incident sheds light on the ongoing challenges of infrastructure maintenance in developing regions like Serra Velha. As urban areas expand and traffic increases, the likelihood of such incidents may rise, prompting authorities to examine and address the structural integrity of older utility poles more critically. It emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance and the development of clearer regulations and standards to ensure the safety and reliability of public roads and utilities in Petrópolis and similar areas.