File number: brkd0174

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Brazil: The Madeira -Mamoré railway was built through Amazon forest in Rondonia state in the early part of the 20th century. It became known as the 'Mad Mary' from the large number of deaths among construction workers. The railway had a short life and closed almost as soon as it opened because the notorious Amazon 'Rubber Boom' collapsed. Here a group of engineers and officials visit the track