Images shared on social media show a huge cloud of smoke, visible from blocks away
A large fire hit Colégio Marista Santa Maria, in Santa Maria (RS), this Friday (26). Videos shared on social media show a huge cloud of smoke, visible from blocks away. Fighting the flames is ongoing, but there is still no information about injuries or whether there were people at the scene when the fire started. With 120 years of history, Marista is one of the most traditional educational institutions in Rio Grande do Sul.
Mayor Rodrigo Decimo (PSD) stated that the City Hall, together with the Civil Defense, is assisting in the operations. Founded 120 years ago, the school, located in the city center, is one of the historical symbols of Santa Maria. Rio Grande do Sul politicians, such as deputies Paulo Pimenta (PT) and Fernanda Melchionna (PSOL), lamented what happened and asked for speed in investigations into the causes of the fire.
Watch videos of the fire
I receive with great sadness the news of a major fire that hit the Central unit of the traditional Colégio Marista, in the center of Santa Maria. A school that is part of the city’s history and the formation of generations of Santa Maria residents.
I have a relationship…
— Paulo Pimenta (@Pimenta13Br)
We received with deep sadness the news and images of the fire that hit Colégio Marista Santa Maria.
I express my solidarity with the Marist brothers, families, students and school professionals, who are experiencing hours of anguish in the face of material losses and…
— Fernanda Melchionna (@fernandapsol)
Unfortunately, it caught fire at this exact moment at the Marist school Santa Maria
— Daniel Pillar (@danielpillar)
HUGE fire erupts at Colegio Marista Santa Maria, Brazil
— RT (@RT_com)