Following explosion and deaths, buildings are closed off in Rio.
Following a final analysis by Civil Defense technicians, the building where the explosion originated, in Tiradentes Square, and the Formula 1 hotel will remain closed.
The mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes, stated today that the two buildings affected by the explosion that caused three deaths this morning in the city center are closed off until a final analysis by Civil Defense technicians. The closure applies to the building where the explosion originated, in Praça Tiradentes, and the Formula 1 hotel, located next door.
The mayor also reported that some of the injured taken to Souza Aguiar Hospital are in serious condition. The mayor confirmed information from employees of the Filé Carioca restaurant, where the explosion originated, that everything indicates the cause was a gas leak.
The explosion caused three victims to be thrown into Tiradentes Square. In addition to the three deaths, 13 other people were hospitalized. The explosion completely destroyed the ground floor of the building. Debris was thrown approximately 100 meters. Earlier, firefighters were still searching for victims on the upper floors of the affected buildings. Up to the ninth floor of one of the buildings, there are signs of destruction, with many broken windows.