Entre-os-Rios (Portugal)

Entre-os-Rios is a Douro River cruise port in Portugal. The town is located between two rivers - Douro and Paiva. The vineyards covering Douro Valley's slopes offer splendid scenery. The entire surrounding area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the home to the Termas (thermal baths).

On March 4, 2001, occurred the Hintze Ribeiro disaster when Hintze Ribeiro Bridge )made of concrete and steel) collapsed, murdering 59 people, including those in three cars and a bus. A storm and fast waters at the time of the accident gave no chance for rescue, and all the victims drowned. The river current carried bodies more than 30 km (19 mi) downstream to the Atlantic ocean. Bodies were later found as far away as Spain's north coast and one even in France.

The tragedy caused shock across the nation. All TV networks broadcasted continuous news bulletins. Many solidarity campaigns were organized to help the relatives of the victims. The over 100-years-old bridge linked Entre-os-Rios and Castelo de Paiva. After the loss of Hintze Ribeiro Bridge, Castelo residents had to travel additional 70 km (43 mi) to reach Porto region. The collapse was reportedly caused by "two decades of uncontrolled sand extraction, which compromised the stability of the bridge's pillars". Sand extractors were the only to be prosecuted and sued.