Ponte do Futuro construction accident kills worker in Paraíba

A fatal workplace accident occurred at the Ponte do Futuro construction site in Cabedelo, Paraíba, after a temporary metal support structure, known as a truss, collapsed. The incident resulted in the death of 43-year-old worker Manoel Oliveira da Silva, who fell approximately 10 meters into the Paraíba River. Two other workers were injured during the collapse.

The Consórcio Jampa, the group responsible for the construction, stated that the failure was limited to a provisional support structure used during the launching phase and that the bridge's permanent structure remains intact. The consortium has launched a technical investigation and pledged assistance to the victim's family.

In response to the tragedy, the Labor Public Ministry (MPT-PB) has opened a procedure to investigate the causes and assign responsibility. Paraíba Governor Lucas Ribeiro canceled his political campaign agenda for the day following the accident. Additionally, State Deputy Walber Virgolino faced criticism from social media users for using the tragedy to make political statements regarding the government's pace of construction.