PARÁ, BRAZIL - A tugboat collided with the structure of a bridge under construction in the district of Outeiro, part of the metropolitan area of Belém, in the northern Brazilian state of Pará, on Sunday morning (17).
No injuries were reported. The vessel’s captain fled the scene but has since been identified by authorities.
The bridge is part of a major infrastructure project for the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), aimed at improving mobility between a cruise terminal in Outeiro and the event’s official venues, such as the City Park.
The collision occurred at approximately 9 a.m., according to a report filed by the Civil Police. Authorities stated that a convoy consisting of the push boat Confiança 9 and the barge Melbourne caused damage to the bridge structure.
A team was dispatched to the site, and the tugboat was seized and taken to a nearby port.
Majonav Transporte Fluvial da Bacia Amazônica Ltda, the company responsible for the vessel, stated that there was no harm to the crew or structural damage to the bridge and that all personnel are safe.
Valued at more than USD $18.7 million (based on current exchange rates) in state funding, the bridge is scheduled for completion in September.
The project includes a 414-meter-long, 10.5-meter-wide bridge featuring two 117-meter navigation spans to ensure smooth water and road traffic in the region.

Source: amazonagency.news