The site produces props for the cariocas samba school parades, among them, the Serrano Empire and Unidos da Ponte; confection was not approved by firefighters to work
Twenty-one people who were at the deck factory caught fire on the morning of Wednesday (12) in Ramos, Rio de Janeiro, were rescued. According to the State Department of Health, ten victims are at Getúlio Vargas State Hospital, all in serious condition by burning by air and inhalation of toxic smoke. They are intubated to protect the airways and have been sent to the ICU.
Four others are at Souza Aguiar Municipal Hospital; three at the federal hospital of Bonsucesso; two at the CER of Governor Island; Two at Salgado Filho Municipal Hospital and one at the Andaraí Hospital. The fire was controlled around 10am.
Public Prosecutor’s Office opens investigation
The site operated in three shifts to account for the high production demand and some employees slept in the establishment when the flames began. Because of this, the Rio de Janeiro Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPT-RJ) opened a preliminary investigation on the working conditions of factory staff.
“The MPT-RJ urgently filed a de facto news (NF) to investigate working conditions at the factory where a fire took place on the morning of Wednesday (12/02), in branches,” he said.
Irregularities
The costume factory was not approved by firefighters to work, said Colonel Luciano Sarmento, deputy commander of the Fire Department. The confection is also irregularly with the IRS and therefore inappropriate to function. The company has been in default since October 2023.
The declaration of disability is due to “omission in compliance with the obligation to submit any statements for 90 days from the expiration of the stipulated deadline”. Despite all the problems, the city of Rio states that the property has the business license for the confection activity.
Fire fighting
According to the Fire Department, the occurrence was recorded shortly before 8am. More than 30 vehicles and about 90 firefighters acted in the fight against flames. The air operations group and rescue specialist at height also participated in the work. Four people were rescued through the window.
The place produces fantasies for carnival samba school parades, among them, the Serrano Empire and Unidos da Ponte. “The Serrano Empire deeply laments the fire that occurs in the premises of Maximus Confections this morning in Ramos. Please be advised that all the production of the Carnival 2025 fantasies of the Serrano Empire are in the factory. At this time, we are focused on ensuring the safety of all involved in this accident. When we have more information about the damage, we will inform, ”said school in a statement.
*With information from Estadão Content
Posted by Carolina Ferreira
