17 people killed in dam burst at Brazil mining site

At least 17 people have died after a dam from an open-pit mining complex burst in southeastern Brazil, flooding a nearby community and enveloping homes and cars in sludge.

According to New York Times, rescue teams descending from helicopters scoured the site for survivors.

The dam operated by Samarco, a venture between BHP Billiton, the Australian commodities giant, and Vale, the Brazilian mining company, held residue from an open-pit iron ore mining operation.