At least five boaters were killed when a rock wall at a Brazilian waterfall fell on their boats, crushing them.
In Lake Furnas near Capitólio in the state of Minas Gerais, a tower of boulders abruptly broke free from the canyon wall and fell on top of several tourist boats.
A fleet of small boats was drifting slowly near a rock wall on the lake when a crack opened in the rock and a massive piece fell onto at least two of the boats, according to shocking video footage shared on the social network.
Divers and members of the fire department have reported that they are still looking for 20 people who are missing.
One individual was taken to the hospital with critical head and facial injuries following the unusual event, which was blamed on “heavy rains.”
A fire department official informed local media that around 23 other people were treated for minor injuries.
According to Globo.com, passengers in other boats had spotted the canyon’s cracks and were scrambling to alert the rest of the people.
Minas Gerais state Governor Romeu Zema Tweeted: “Today we are suffering the pain of a tragedy in our state, due to heavy rains, which caused the loosening of a wall of stones in Lake Furnas, in Capitólio.
URGENTE
— Record TV Minas (@recordtvminas) January 8, 2022
Rocha desaba sobre banhistas em #EscarpasdoLago (MG)
Confira: https://t.co/xPnulAgs0E #R7Minas pic.twitter.com/zZukQA1cww
“The Government of Minas is present from the beginning through the Civil Defense and Fire Department.
“Rescue work is still ongoing.
“I stand in solidarity with families at this difficult time. We will continue to act to provide the necessary support.”
The Brazilian navy has initiated an investigation.
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