Feb 8 • 21:58 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil G1 (PT)

Building collapses in Engenho Novo; four are rescued alive

A two-story building collapsed in Engenho Novo, Brazil, with four individuals rescued alive amidst ongoing search efforts for more potential victims.

In the Engenho Novo neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, a two-story building unexpectedly collapsed on Sunday afternoon, prompting immediate emergency responses from local authorities. The incident occurred on Visconde de Itabaiana street, leading to an immediate evacuation of the surrounding area as teams began to assess the situation and conduct rescue operations. The local Centro de Operações Rio confirmed the collapse, alerting emergency services including firefighters and the Civil Defense to the scene.

During the rescue efforts, four people were extracted from the rubble alive, with one individual suffering severe injuries who was transported to the municipal hospital Salgado Filho for treatment. Concerns remained as search crews reported that a woman and two dogs might still be trapped under the debris. As the situation develops, firefighters and Civil Defense teams are focused not only on rescuing any remaining survivors but also on evaluating the structural integrity of the area to prevent further incidents.

This unfortunate event highlights the challenges associated with building safety in rapidly urbanizing areas like Engenho Novo, where older structures may not meet current safety standards. It raises questions about regulatory enforcement and the ongoing need for thorough inspections and safety protocols to protect residents. Local authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the collapse and review safety practices in similar buildings across the region.

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