Brazil: Building collapses in São Paulo due to fire May 1

Event

A fire in São Paulo's Centro area caused a 24-story building to collapse in the early morning hours of Tuesday, May 1 (local time). The fire reportedly started around 01:30. Firefighters placed a perimeter around the building and attempted to evacuate people who were in the building; most of the residents are believed to have been evacuated before it collapsed. Adjacent buildings were also evacuated.

At least one person has reportedly died and dozens of families have been displaced due to the fire and consequent building collapse. The building was occupied by squatters, according to the authorities; the death toll may rise in the coming hours as unconfirmed reports claimed that people remained in the top floors of the building when it collapsed. Localized traffic disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the collapsed building in the coming hours and days as crews work to clear the area of debris.

Advice

Individuals in São Paulo are advised to avoid the area of the collapsed building, prepare for associated traffic disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.