Bridge Collapses During Demolition in Mangaratiba, Brazil

Mangaratiba Bridge Collapse During Demolition Operation A bridge collapsed in Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, on May 16, 2025, during a tense house demolition operation. The incident unfolded when security personnel clashed with local residents. A man, reportedly armed with a knife, had already thrown a sledgehammer at the officers. The bridge gave way under the weight of several people involved in the altercation, sending them into a nearby stream. "It was chaos," described one eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous. "The bridge just crumbled." The Mangaratiba City Hall issued a statement asserting that the demolition was conducted according to regulations, and that the area had been targeted in three previous operations. The man who had thrown the sledgehammer managed to escape. Authorities are currently investigating the incident, and assessing the structural integrity of other bridges in the area to prevent similar accidents in the future. The incident highlights the challenges of urban development and the need for effective communication between authorities and residents during sensitive operations.