Elevated bicycle track collapsed in Rio de Janeiro, killing two people

A newly built elevated bike path has collapsed into the sea in Rio de Janeiro, killing at least two people and damaging the city’s credibility as an Olympic host, The Guardian reports.

A huge wave swept away a 50-metre stretch of the Tim Maia ciclovia, which opened four months ago at a cost of 44.7m reais ($12.6m).

Local media said at least five people were on the path when it crashed down into the sea. One person has been rescued and two bodies have been recovered. Authorities say it is too early to give a complete list of casualties.

The accident, which occurred barely more than 100 days before the Olympics, is a major blow to Rio’s prestige and raises questions about the engineering and safety standards of the host.

It shoukd be recalled that earlier today the flame for the Olympic Games in Rio has been lit in southern Greece.