After the fall of , the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (Dnit) reported, this Thursday (2), that it is in negotiations to hire a company that will transport vehicles and people by ferries on the Tocantins River.
“It is worth mentioning that the ferries enter into operation immediately after the signing of the contract with the company and completion of the works on the accesses and the berth”, said the municipality, in a note, to CNN.
The Dnit stated that ferry transport will be free of charge for citizens. Passenger cars, buses, ambulances and trucks can be transported.
Also according to the municipality, highway maintenance companies are working to meet the requirements of the Brazilian Navy. This is for the access and berthing necessary for the operation of the ferries.
In a note, on Thursday night, the Navy reported that the Maritime Authority has not yet received the necessary documents “that prove compliance with obligations” relating to the construction of infrastructure and safety for the operation of the ferries.
The Navy stated that it is “indispensable” to comply with the safety requirements set out in the Maritime Authority Standards for Works and Related Activities in Waters under Brazilian Jurisdiction. Quote, for example:
- – construction of access ramps on each bank of the Tocantins River, for safe loading and unloading of vehicles to be transported;
- – construction of fixed mooring points, on land, so that the ferry/pusher train remains stabilized and securely tied to the bank during loading/unloading;
- – adequate and suitable place for the transport of drivers and passengers of the vehicles transported, as they will not be able to cross inside the cars, for safety reasons.
“The Brazilian Navy, once again, reinforces that, due to the emergency nature of the situation, the appropriate urgency will be established for its processing as a priority. However, the Maritime Authority cannot give up on strict compliance with rules relating to navigation safety, prioritizing the safeguarding of human life, in order to avoid new tragic occurrences in the region.”
Vehicles and people were under the bridge at the time of the fall. The Brazilian Navy confirmed 12 deaths among the initial 17 missing. In total, five people remain missing, according to the latest update.
