Several casualties after tailings dam bursts in Brazil

Flyover by Brazil news site G1 showing damage.

Up to 16 people according to local media reports are reported dead after Samarco's tailings dam breached. Up to 45 people are reported missing.

The tailings dam at the open pit, iron ore mine gave way at 4:20 p.m. local time. Water and mud ran into Bento Rodrigues, about seven km away

In a statement the company said that it is " is mobilizing every effort to prioritize care for people and mitigate damage to the environment" (translated from Portuguese by Google Translate).

The company says emergency crews are in place providing assistance. It is unable to confirm casualties or the extent of the damage.

Samarco is a 50% owned by BHP Billiton and 50% owned by Vale.

Flyover by Brazil news site G1 showing damage.

Complexo Alegria/Samarco is an open pit, iron ore mine located in Brazil. Map is from IntelligenceMine.

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