Two Young Siblings Die in Sepetiba House Fire as Police Probe Cause

Overview

• The blaze struck a residence on Rua Branca de Neve, No. 33, in Rio’s West Zone on Saturday night, according to the fire department.
• The victims were a girl and a 2-year-old boy, with the girl's age reported as 4 in O Globo and Extra and as 3 in G1.
• The 43rd Police Precinct in Guaratiba conducted a forensic examination at the scene, and the Civil Police say inquiries are under way to establish the circumstances.
• Officials have not identified the cause of the fire, and authorities say the investigation continues.
• Neighbors told reporters the children were alone in a locked home while their parents were away, a claim that has not been verified by investigators.