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Overpass collapses in World Cup host city in Brazil; at least 2 killed

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An overpass under construction in a World Cup host city in Brazil collapsed onto several vehicles Thursday, killing at least two people and injuring numerous others.

The incident happened in the southeastern city of Belo Horizonte, where Tuesday’s semifinal is scheduled to be played.

Health authorities in Minas Gerais state confirmed the death toll and said at least 20 people were injured. The dead included a woman who was driving a commuter bus that was trapped under the overpass, they said.

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At least two trucks and a car were also involved, according to local news reports. Photographs of the scene were shared on Twitter.

Edson Brito, 57, told the Globo news outlet that numerous construction workers were at the site when the structure fell with “a loud sound and blinding dust.”

The overpass, which spans a main road, was part of an infrastructure upgrade for the World Cup.

At least eight people died while working on the 12 stadiums that are being used for the soccer tournament.

Such incidents contributed to widespread public discontent and fear of impending chaos in the months before the World Cup. However, the tournament has taken place amid relative calm since kickoff on June 12.

Bevins is a special correspondent.

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