Brazilian authorities are investigating a third possible death caused by a massive mudflow and flooding that swamped towns near an iron-ore mine in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais.
As many as 28 people are still missing after two dams burst on Thursday, triggering the disaster and prompting a rescue and salvage operation involving about 500 people.
After confirming a second death caused by the tragedy early on Sunday, response teams later said they found a third body, but were still working to retrieve it. They had not yet confirmed a cause of death or whether it was one of those still reported missing.
The torrent, carrying water and mud stained with mineral waste from the mine, flooded areas 100km from the rupture. The surge has receded, but authorities expect the residue in the mainstream of the Rio Doce to reach the neighbouring state of Espirito Santo by tomorrow.
Neither authorities nor mine operator Samarco – a joint venture between mining company BHP Billiton Ltd and iron-ore miner, Vale SA – have determined a cause.