Several dead and missing as a rock wall collapses on tourist boats in a reservoir in Brazil

At least five people were killed and nine others seriously injured in a rock wall collapse along a large reservoir in Brazil. This was reported by the local fire department. Divers are still searching for the 20 daily tourists and hikers who have been reported missing. The victims were in boats that passed under a cliff and were buried under fallen rocks. Citizens were also injured by the waves that caused the rock wall to collapse.

source: Belgian

Yesterday at 23:01

The accident occurred on Saturday in a reservoir in the state of Minas Gerais, more than 300 kilometers northwest of Rio de Janeiro. Since the construction of the dam in 1963, the waters of this area have attracted tourists. The seriously injured were taken to the medical centers in the city of Passos.

The local fire department said more than 20 people were slightly injured. Local media shows pictures of falling rocks. Under the broken rock, three boats filled with people enjoying the water in the tourist area of the municipality of Capitolio.

It is still not clear why the rock suddenly separated from the cliff. However, the photos show that the rock ended up atop at least two boats. The waves that caused the avalanche in the lake also affected other small boats.