Tatuapé Blast in São Paulo Kills 1, Injures 10 as Police Probe Illegal Fireworks Depot

Overview

• Authorities report the Thursday night explosion at Rua Francisco Bueno near Avenidas Celso Garcia and Salim Farah Maluf destroyed the residence and damaged nearby buildings and vehicles.
• Civil Defense initially interdicted dozens of properties in the area and, as of Friday night, said 11 remained off-limits after structural inspections.
• Forensic teams and GATE officers seized rockets, rojões, sulfur, caustic soda and balloon-making components, indicating illicit storage and artisanal manufacture of pyrotechnics.
• The investigation was registered as explosion, environmental crime related to balloon activity and bodily injury at the 30th Police District, with efforts now focused on sourcing of materials and possible collaborators.
• Police suspect the deceased is resident Adir de Oliveira Mariano, previously cited in balloon cases, and are awaiting IML necropsy and DNA results while taking statements from his partner.