Seven dead, several injured after section of canyon collapsed at Brazilian waterfall

According to the fire service, a wall of rock collapsed on top of motorboats below a waterfall in southeastern Brazil on Saturday (January 8, 2022), killing at least seven persons and badly injuring nine more.

At Capitolio, Minas Gerais, a tower of rocks abruptly broke free from the canyon wall and slammed into six recreational boats, causing a massive wave to break over the lake.

Tourists shouted as the column of rock smashed into the ocean, destroying two boats, according to videos posted on social media.

Three persons are still missing, according to authorities, despite the fact that others who were thought to be lost were found by phone. Divers combed the lake for clues.

The victims of the collision had shattered bones, and one was sent to the hospital in critical condition with head and facial injuries. He claimed 23 others were treated for minor injuries.

Heavy rain has been falling in the area for the past two weeks, which may have loosened the rock face. A dike at an iron ore mine 300 kilometres to the east overflowed on Saturday, cutting off a major federal route.