Building collapses after explosion in Rio de Janeiro

A big explosion early this Monday (Oct. 19) destroyed a two-story building in Rio de Janeiro, where a restaurant, a pizzeria, a pharmacy had been operating. There were also small studio apartments in the building's courtyard. Rescue workers pulled seven people out of the rubble, including a child.

According to the Fire Department, the explosion is suspected to have resulted from a gas leak from canisters stored in the back of the restaurant. But the real causes will only be identified after investigations are completed. "At the moment, our work is to search for any further victims. Subsequently, we will consult the records to check legal documentation of the [commercial] establishments." reported the Fire Department through a note.

The blast was so strong it was reportedly heard by people living nearly two kilometers away. Doors of stores were destroyed, neighborhood buildings had their glass windows shattered and aluminum windows twisted.

The blast shook buildings and classes of three units of the school [Colégio] Pedro II, in Campo de São Cristóvão were suspended. In the Largo da Cancela neighborhood, the istrative building of Itaú-Unibanco bank is also closed waiting for reports from civil defense and technical expertise.

Mauro Lopes, 44, son of the owner of the restaurant that operated in the building could not understand what had happened. "I really don't know. We lost everything! Documents, clothes and other things. I had been living there for two years and I have no other place to go. But I'm aware that it was a miracle. With such a massive explosion, it wasn't supposed to have survivors,” he reported still shaken.

Translated by Amarílis Anchieta