On Wednesday, April 11, an establishment in the Itapuca neighborhood of Resende, Rio de Janeiro, was shut down after a gas cylinder leak was reported. This action was part of a broader safety inspection conducted by the State Department of Consumer Protection (SEDCON) targeting gas cylinder retailers in the area. The closure was deemed necessary due to the imminent risk of explosion posing a threat to customers, employees, and nearby residents.

In addition to the closure of the establishment in question, SEDCON inspectors scrutinized three other stores during the operation. Their findings were concerning: three expired or unmarked gas cylinders were sealed, and six fire extinguishers found to be depressurized and out of date were also confiscated. Furthermore, an illegal wildlife possession was uncovered as one location was found to have a caged wild bird without the required permits, highlighting a range of compliance issues beyond just the gas safety concerns.

The agency emphasized the importance of these operations in ensuring consumer safety and adherence to regulations, as leaks and expired equipment can result in catastrophic incidents. The operation underlines the ongoing commitment of the state to safeguard public welfare by enforcing compliance among retailers within the gas industry.