RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people were killed and nine others still missing after a bridge collapsed in northeastern Brazil, the Brazilian Navy reported on Thursday.

The bridge over the Tocantins River in northeastern Brazil collapsed on Dec. 22, the civil defense of the state of Maranhao confirmed on Monday.

According to the Federal Highway Police, three trucks, several motorcycles and at least two cars were on the bridge when it collapsed.

Two of the trucks were carrying sulfuric acid, and the authorities have banned drinking water in 19 municipalities in the region.

The bridge needs maintenance and has been in a poor condition since 2019, loca media reported, citing the National Department of Transport Infrastructure. ■