Newly released CCTV footage shows the horrifying moment a mining dam in Brazil collapsed catastrophically, leaving more than 300 people dead or missing.
The colossal disaster happened on January 25 in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.
Harrowing CCTV footage obtained by Brazilian channel TV Globo shows the exact moment of the shocking collapse that unleashed a powerful torrent of sludge, destroying everything in its path and washing away roads, buildings, and villages.
At least 110 people were killed, while 238 more are still unaccounted for.
READ MORE: At least 7 dead, 150+ missing after dam burst in Brazil (PHOTOS, VIDEO)
A ceremony was held at the fatal site on Friday to mark a week since the catastrophe. Rescuers momentarily stopped looking for bodies and police helicopters released flower petals over the ruined area. A priest also said a prayer in front of a tall cross that had been erected in the mud.
The company that owns the ore mine, Vale SA, has been ordered to pay a fine of 250 million reals (US$66.32 million) for various violations that led to the collapse – one of the biggest environmental penalties in Brazil’s history. A state judge also ordered Vale to freeze 5 billion reals (US$1.3 billion) on its accounts to pay for the damage caused by the dam rupture.
READ MORE: Brazilian mining company to pay $66mn fine following deadly dam burst
Vale is linked to another dam disaster in the same region in 2015. The catastrophic failure of a dam jointly owned by the mining company flooded the river below with toxic iron waste, killing 19 people and displacing hundreds more.
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