In a dramatic incident in São Paulo's Consolação neighborhood, a witness named Rafael Ramos recounted the frightening moments leading up to a significant explosion that resulted in a crater opening in the street. On Sunday night, just before the explosion occurred at around 10:30 PM, Ramos noted an unusual burnt smell reminiscent of rubber or plastic, which prompted concern among residents in his building. Following a loud noise around 6:50 AM, there was a general disruption of services including energy and internet, indicating the tension building in the area.

As Ramos rushed to investigate the commotion, he found that a substantial hole had formed in the asphalt, signaling the aftermath of the explosion. The crater measured approximately 15 square meters, highlighting the severity of the incident. Although the specific cause of the explosion remains unclear, the situation attracted immediate attention as emergency teams arrived to assess the damage and ensure the safety of residents in the area. Ramos expressed his regret at not being able to capture photos of the scene due to having left his phone at home in the rush to understand what had happened.

This explosion adds to ongoing concerns about urban infrastructure in Brazilian cities, where such incidents can raise alarms regarding safety measures and maintenance practices. Officials will likely need to investigate thoroughly to identify the root cause of both the explosion and the subsequent crater formation, particularly in a densely populated area like downtown São Paulo, where the economy and daily life can be significantly disrupted by such events.