Four-Storey Building Collapses in Central São Paulo

Overview

• The building gave way Friday evening in the Brás area of central São Paulo and was left completely destroyed.
• Emergency services mounted a large response that included about 48 firefighters and 16 vehicles, and teams continue search-and-rescue operations.
• Authorities and local media report that 17 people were pulled from the rubble and received medical care for mostly minor injuries.
• Video and eyewitness accounts show a sudden collapse with a cloud of dust and people fleeing, and one report said the mezanine may have been overloaded with textiles.
• Officials have not confirmed a cause and investigators will inspect the site and nearby buildings, with dog teams checking for additional victims and nearby streets blocked for safety.