A barge carrying trucks loaded with fuel caught fire on Friday (12) in the Paraná River in Bagre, Marajó. According to the Fire Department, eight crew members on the barge jumped into the water. One of them died.
The victim was a driver of one of the trucks and disappeared after jumping into the water. The body was found late in the afternoon on Friday. The seven survivors received medical attention, according to the Bagre municipality.
Videos circulating on social media show the intensity of the flames and some explosions. The Civil Police of Breves is investigating the case.
The flames lasted for more than 7 hours, according to local residents, who were afraid that the drifting and burning barge would reach houses along the riverbank.
The barge had departed from Belém, stopped in Bagre to unload fuel, and was heading to the city of Breves when the fire started.
The suspicion is that the fire may have started after a short circuit, but an investigation will be carried out to confirm the cause of the fire.
Additional Information:
Incidents involving fires on barges carrying hazardous materials are not uncommon, and they pose significant risks to both human life and the environment. The authorities need to ensure strict safety protocols are followed to prevent such incidents in the future. It is essential for companies involved in transporting dangerous goods to prioritize safety measures and emergency response training for their crew members to minimize the impact of such accidents. Furthermore, communities living along waterways should be informed and educated about the potential risks associated with transporting hazardous materials to better prepare for emergencies.