Rio’s State Health Department has reported that a fire at a Rio de Janeiro factory that produces costumes for the city’s Carnival has left 10 people hospitalized, casting a shadow over preparations for the show.
The victims were rushed away in ambulances and admitted to the hospital for burns to their airways after inhaling toxic smoke. Eight are in serious condition while two are stable, the Health Department said in a statement.
Rio’s Labor Prosecutor’s Office said it has opened an inquiry into the working conditions at the factory, citing press reports of workers, including teenagers, sleeping on-site and evidence of degrading labor practices.
Wesley da Cruz, a 27-year-old Carnival worker said: “There were more than 20 people in there. The fire started when we were sleeping.”
Charles Ferreira, 52, lives behind the factory and said he heard people yelling for help: “We went to see what was happening. I got my motorbike, went to the firefighters and they sent a truck and an ambulance.”
Around 90 firefighters battled the blaze, rescuing 21 people, Rio’s Military Fire Department said in a statement.
Firefighters rescued workers that were stuck on the top floor by cutting the steel windows and placing a ladder for them to descend.
Rio’s Mayor Eduardo Paes made a statement on X, saying: “The State’s Civil Defense has completely closed off the factory and the annex building as the fire has caused damage to the structure and it could collapse.”
The Maximus factory where the fire occurred is one of the most used by samba schools in the lower divisions. Samba school Imperio Serrano is one of those affected.
Samba School Imperio Serrano shared on Instagram: “At this time, we are focused on ensuring the safety of everyone involved in this accident,” adding that further information regarding damages would be released later.
Liga RJ, an association of samba schools also made a post on Instagram: “The impact of this incident directly affects the planning of Carnival and the entire production chain involved in its realization.”
A fire in a factory that creates costumes for the Rio de Janeiro Carnival has been affected by a fire, hospitalizing at least 10 people.
An association of local samba schools said that the impact of the accident has directly affected the planning of the Carnival.
