Overpass that collapsed and killed two in Belo Horizonte is being demolished.
The Guararapes viaduct, located on Avenida Pedro I and under the responsibility of the Belo Horizonte City Hall, which collapsed on July 3rd and killed two people, had its northern ramp imploded this Sunday, the 14th. According to the construction company Cowan, responsible for the operation, 125 kilograms of dynamite were used, distributed across the three supporting pillars. The implosion lasted only three seconds. Those responsible for the disaster have not yet been punished.
Minas 247 - The Batalha dos Guararapes Viaduct, which collapsed on July 3rd, killing 2 people and injuring 23, had its northern ramp imploded this Sunday, the 14th. After preparations to protect the surrounding buildings, the viaduct came down at 9 am. According to the construction company Cowan, responsible for the operation, 125 kilograms of dynamite were used, distributed across the three supporting pillars. Approximately 150 people were involved in the procedure, which had a 200-meter isolation area, including a 50-meter area of influence.
The entire structure was surrounded by a kind of protective netting to prevent debris from being projected into the surrounding area. The water and gas pipes were also protected by a layer of sand.
Around 6:50 AM, Civil Defense sent a message to residents living in the surrounding area, instructing them to leave their homes. Sirens sounded as a warning before the implosion. Around 8:00 AM, the first evacuation signal was given. Fifteen minutes later, surrounding roads began to be blocked. At 8:50 AM, the final inspection of the isolated area took place. With one minute to go until 9:00 AM, the countdown to the implosion began.
Since the collapse of the southern ramp in July, neighbors have been calling for the demolition of the northern structure, and are still fighting to prevent any more viaducts from being built in the area.