World
Video shows moments Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge connecting Maranhão to Tocantins collapses
Aguiarnopólis, TO/Estreito, MA, Brazil – The Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge, a vital transportation link connecting Aguiarnopólis in Tocantins and Estreito in Maranhão, suffered a devastating collapse on the afternoon of December 22, 2024. The incident has not only disrupted regional transport but also raised serious concerns about infrastructure safety in the region.
The collapse occurred at approximately 2:50 p.m. local time when the central span of the bridge gave way. The failure caused vehicles, including at least one truck, to plunge into the Rio Tocantins below. Eyewitness videos circulating on social media captured the terrifying moment, leaving the local community in shock.
Tragically, the incident claimed the life of at least one individual, an unidentified woman, while several others sustained injuries. The truck driver, who was among those affected, was rescued and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Emergency services, including the Maranhão Fire Department and the Federal Highway Police, quickly mobilized to the scene to carry out rescue operations and manage the unfolding crisis.
The bridge collapse has caused widespread panic and disruption, particularly among residents who depended on the structure for daily commutes between Tocantins and Maranhão. The bridge also served as a critical artery in the region’s transportation network, linking major highways such as the BR-226 and BR-230.
Authorities are working to determine the cause of the collapse, with initial reports suggesting that warning signs of structural damage may have been overlooked. The Maranhão Governor, Carlos Brandão, expressed deep concern over the tragedy, emphasizing the urgency of coordinated efforts. “We are maintaining close contact with the Ministries of Transport and Integration, as well as the National Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DNIT), to ensure that rescue and recovery operations are handled efficiently,” Brandão stated.
The DNIT has since declared the BR-226 impassable, advising travelers to use alternative routes. Officials have pledged to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident, focusing on potential maintenance lapses and the overall safety of Brazil’s aging infrastructure.
The Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge, inaugurated in 1960 and spanning 533 meters, has long been a cornerstone of the regional transportation system. Its sudden collapse highlights the critical need for investment in infrastructure maintenance to prevent future tragedies.
As the affected community grapples with the immediate aftermath, mourning the loss of life and facing logistical challenges, residents and leaders alike hope this devastating event will spur renewed focus on infrastructure safety and modernization across Brazil.
Crime
Tumbler Ridge Secondary School Shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar Created Mall Shooting Simulator in Roblox
Investigators and online researchers have identified a Roblox account allegedly linked to Jesse Van Rootselaar, the 18-year-old suspect in the deadly mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia.
According to platform officials, the account was discovered by users on the internet forum Kiwi Farms, who reported that Van Rootselaar had created a game — referred to on Roblox as an “experience” — that simulated a shooting inside a shopping mall.
The virtual environment appeared to resemble a Canadian retail complex, although it has not been confirmed whether the design was intended to replicate a specific real-world location.
Videos circulating on social media prior to its removal showed a player-controlled character collecting weapons and firing into crowds of animated civilians within the mall setting.
The footage quickly drew widespread concern given the seriousness of the real-world attack.
Roblox confirmed that the account belonged to the suspect and announced swift action in response.
“We have removed the user account connected to this horrifying incident, as well as any content associated with the suspect,” the company said in a statement. “We are committed to fully supporting law enforcement in their investigation.”
Initially, reports suggested the game remained accessible despite the account being deleted. However, Roblox later clarified that the content has now been removed from the platform.
The company also noted that the mall-themed experience was only accessible through Roblox Studio, a development application used by creators to build games, rather than through the main platform available to general users.
As a result, the experience reportedly recorded only seven visits, indicating extremely limited exposure.
Investigators are continuing to examine the suspect’s digital footprint, including online posts and usernames believed to match across multiple platforms such as Reddit, where references to Roblox activity were also reportedly found.
Van Rootselaar is accused of carrying out the February 10 shooting that left eight people dead and at least 25 others injured at the secondary school.
Authorities have not indicated whether the online content forms part of the official investigative findings, but technology platforms are increasingly scrutinized in the aftermath of violent incidents for potential warning signs.
Officials emphasize that the broader investigation remains active as law enforcement works to establish a complete timeline, understand possible motives, and determine whether any additional factors contributed to the tragedy.