Two Die in Shopping Tijuca Blaze as Smoke-Clearing Operation Keeps Mall Closed

Overview

• Authorities confirmed the victims as brigadista Emellyn Silva Aguiar Menezes and supervisor Anderson Aguiar do Prado, both from the mall’s fire-safety team.
• At least three other people were treated for smoke exposure, with patients taken to the Tijuca UPA and Hospital Municipal Souza Aguiar.
• Firefighters said the fire started in the Bellart decor store in the subsoil, where difficult access led to intense smoke accumulation.
• Operations have involved dozens of personnel, autonomous breathing equipment, mechanical ventilation, rooftop entry by helicopter, and new wall openings to disperse gases.
• The 19th Police District requested a forensic examination as part of its investigation, and witnesses reported delayed or unclear evacuation despite the mall asserting protocols were followed.