Shopping Tijuca to Partially Reopen Friday as Police Probe Deadly Fire
Forensic access to the sealed subsoil remains the key step to establishing the fire’s cause.
Overview
- Operations will resume on a gradual, voluntary basis after the January 2 blaze that left two dead and three injured.
- CBMERJ cleared areas outside the burn zone following repairs to hydrants, sprinklers and detection systems, while the subsoil (L0) and the corresponding section of L1 remain closed as impracticable.
- Civil Police say completion of a perícia in the origin area is necessary to determine what started the fire and who may be liable.
- Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and taking statements, including the mall superintendent this week, a Bell’Art representative on Wednesday and three brigade members scheduled for Thursday.
- CM Couto alleges the store alarm failed and contends the mall had the duty to call firefighters, while mall management says it placed three calls between 6:12 p.m. and 6:22 p.m.