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7 killed in Bridge collapse in Brazil

05 January 2010 21:21 (UTC +04:00)

Baku â€“ APA. At least seven people died when a bridge crumbled down in Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil, on Tuesday morning, APA reports quoting China Daily.
The authorities believe that the accident may have been caused by the strong current of the Jacui River, whose water level is above the normal point because of the rain. For that reason, a second bridge over the river was also blocked from traffic.
About 30 people are estimated to having been at the bridge at the time of the accident; vehicles were carried out by the strong current of the Jacui River.
Rescue teams and volunteers are still searching for survivors and bodies, with the help of eight boats and four helicopters.

The recent rains have affected a total of 32 municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul. Over 1,000 people had to leave their homes in the state.