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Investigation underway on Brazil bridge collapse

The company building the flyover that collapsed in the World Cup host city of Belo Horizonte has said that its investigation into the causes of the accident should conclude in 30 days.

Construtora Cowan S/A also says it has all necessary machinery at the site to start demolition but is waiting for a green light from the authorities.

On Thursday, 3 July, two people died and 22 others were injured after a huge concrete overpass still under construction collapsed onto a busy highway several kilometres from the Mineirao stadium, where Brazil faces Germany in a crucial semi final match today (Tuesday) at 17.00 local time.

The reinforced concrete structure fell without warning, crushing a number of vehicles including the front of a commuter bus, whose female driver was killed.

In notices on its website, Cowan says it was hired to build the overpass, reported to be part of a new network of bus routes, six months ago.

It said it has been performing heavy construction work for 56 years and has never recorded an accident like this. All procedures and materials passed required tests and met standards "without presenting any problems", it said.

The firm said it has assembled an investigation team to assess the causes of the accident and the results should come out in 30 days.

According to the company, the collapsed overpass will be demolished to clear the street. "Cowan clarifies that they already have all the necessary machinery at Avenida Pedro I to start demolition process," reads the notice posted 5 July. "The company is just awaiting for the greenlight from the authorities."

Since the collapse the company says it has kept a team of psychologists, doctors and social assistants to support the victims and their families.

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