Large fire hits carnival costume factory in Rio (videos)
The factory is the main supplier for samba schools and was full at the time of the fire.
247 - A fire hit a building in Ramos, in the North Zone of Rio de Janeiro, on the morning of this Wednesday (12). The factory is the main supplier for samba schools and was full at the time of the fire.
The Fire Department reported that several teams are working to combat the flames, in addition to an air rescue unit. The 90 firefighters were called to the scene on Roberto Silveira Street at 7:39 am.
According to the Rio de Janeiro government, more than 30 vehicles are at the scene, including specialists in high-altitude rescue. One of the survivors warned, in a statement to the press, that rescuing the victims is very difficult and some people are jumping out of windows.
At least 13 people were injured, 9 of them seriously. TV Globo reported that there were about 100 employees in the warehouse when the fire started—some of whom were sleeping.
The Grêmio Recreativo Escola de Samba Unidos da Ponte and Império Serrano reported that all production of carnival costumes was at the factory.
*This story is being updated.
