An unfinished overpass in Brazil collapsed on Thursday falling onto traffic on a busy highway, crushing several vehicles, killing two people, and injuring some 20 more. The accident occurred in the World Cup host city of Belo Horizonte, which is scheduled to host one of the tournament semifinal matches next week. The deadly collapse comes as an “embarrassment for a country that has been basking in praise for what has mostly been a smoothly running soccer tournament,” the Associated Press writes. “In the run-up to the event, there were serious concerns about the ability of Brazil’s airports and roads to handle the influx of tourists because of delays or outright cancelations of projects to improve urban transportation.”
“Brazil’s preparations for the World Cup have been marred by accidents and missed deadlines,” the BBC reports. “At least seven people were killed working on stadiums prior to the start of the tournament.” It is still not known what caused the overpass to collapse and authorities denied allegations that corners were cut in its construction, according to the BBC. The construction firm in charge of the project said it “deeply regrets what happened” and it was adding structural support to another overpass.
