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A cycleway in Brazil built for this summer's Olympics has collapsed into the sea killing at least two people and leaving five people missing.

Images from the scene show a massive gap on sections of the bike lane in Rio de Janeiro. It was reportedly destroyed after a huge wave crashed against it.

It is believed that two people have been killed and a further five people are missing. Rescue helicopters can be seen searching the sea in a desperate hunt for survivors.

The cycle route, named after famous Brazilian singer Tim Maia, runs 3.9km along Rio's coastline, overlooking the sea.

60-year-old Damiao Pinheiro de Araujo told Globo: "People stopped on the cycle path to take photos of the waves. They were enormous.

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"A bigger wave came, the path lifted up and a section fell. I saw people falling.

"It's sad. For me, the path was badly planned."

Admin worker Guilherme Miranda was passing at the time of the collapse. "I almost died," he told Globo.

"The press arrived quickly. Where are the politicians, the engineers that built this thing?

"It's horrifying to see people die in front of your eyes. Someone has to provide answers."

Speaking to O Dia, tour guide Ana Lima said: "Yesterday morning I took three tourists in Castelinho and feel the tremendous bike lane much every time a wave hit.

"I commented that it was going to end up falling."

Pedro Paulo Carvalho, who works for the Rio prefecture, said that there is no risk of further incidents on the route.

"We have closed the cycle path so no more people come here," he said.

"In theory, there is no risk of further collapses.

"We ask for the patience of those who live in the area, and ask that they do not use the route at this time.

"There are still reports of a person in the sea. That is not confirmed, but the fire brigade is working on that possibility.

"We will work with technicians who built the path to find out what really caused the accident."