Elderly couple, 100 and 93 years old, rescued from fire in building in downtown Vitória
An elderly couple was rescued from a fire in downtown Vitória, Brazil, with the help of the Municipal Guard.
On the night of October 17, a 100-year-old man, Edson Colnago, and his 93-year-old wife, Zulma Silvares, were rescued by the Municipal Guard during a fire incident in a building near their residence in downtown Vitória, Espírito Santo. The fire erupted in an abandoned building that formerly housed the Vitória Club, owned by the local Social Service of Commerce (Sesc). Witnesses reported that the flames became quite large, accompanied by a thick cloud of smoke that wafted towards the building where the couple lived, making the situation critical for those inside.
The fire reportedly broke out around 9 PM, prompting local residents to alert the Municipal Guard, who were conducting preventive patrols in the area. The couple, who were on the 12th floor of their building alongside a caregiver, faced immediate danger as the flames raged nearby. The quick response by local authorities was critical in ensuring their safety and preventing further harm. Social media captured dramatic footage of the incident, highlighting the severity of the situation and the efforts of emergency services.
This incident underscores the importance of timely emergency responses in urban settings, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly who might have difficulty evacuating. The rapid actions of the Municipal Guard not only saved lives but also reinforced community resilience in facing unforeseen disasters. As investigations into the cause of the fire proceed, the community is left to ponder the implications of safety measures in residential areas, particularly those housing elderly residents.