A massive fire broke out at a fashion factory in Rio de Janeiro that produces costumes for the city’s world-famous carnival, sending 10 people to the hospital and casting a shadow over preparations for one of the biggest festivals in the world.
According to a statement from Rio de Janeiro’s health department, the victims were rushed to the hospital suffering from airway burns after inhaling toxic smoke. Eight of them remain in critical condition, while two others are stable.
The Rio Military Fire Brigade reported that around 90 firefighters battled the blaze and successfully rescued 21 people.
Firefighters had to cut through steel-framed windows and use ladders to save workers trapped on the upper floors.
Footage from The Associated Press showed workers climbing down as thick black smoke billowed from the building.
Authorities have completely shut down the factory and the neighboring building due to severe structural damage and the risk of collapse, according to Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes, who confirmed the closure on social media platform X.
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