World Cup city overbridge collapse kills two

Rio de Janeiro, July 4 (IANS) An overbridge under construction collapsed Thursday afternoon in southeast Brazil, killing at least two people and injuring 22 others.

The collapse of the overbridge in Belo Horizonte, capital of Brazil's southeastern state of Minas Gerais, smashed and trapped several vehicles, including a passenger bus, two cargo trucks and a compact car, Xinhua reported.

The two fatal victims of the accident included the bus driver and a woman bus passenger, whose child was injured. Authorities believe the driver of the small car was also killed, but the body is yet to be recovered by rescue workers.

Part of an urban transportation improvement project undertaken for the World Cup, the overbridge was not completed in time for the sporting event.

According to the website of the daily O Globo, Argentina's national football team, which is lodged on the outskirts of Belo Horizonte, passed under the same overbridge June 21, on their way to a match at nearby Mineirao Stadium.

The stadium will be hosting one of the World Cup semifinals Tuesday.

Belo Horizonte Mayor Marcio Lacerda has declared three days of mourning for the victims.