Guesthouse Fire Claims 10 Lives in Southern Brazil
A tragic fire engulfed a homeless guesthouse in southern Brazil, resulting in the loss of at least 10 lives. The incident occurred early on Friday in Porto Alegre, where 13 individuals were rushed to hospitals, with some in critical condition.
Around 30 residents were believed to be present in the guesthouse during the blaze, the cause of which remains unknown.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva extended his condolences to the families of the victims via a post on [platform]. He emphasized that the guesthouse provided shelter for individuals facing “vulnerable” circumstances.
Porto Alegre’s Mayor, Sebastião Melo, announced three days of official mourning for the city.
Firefighters responded to the three-story building at 02:00 local time, managing to bring the fire under control within two hours.
Questions have arisen regarding the legality of the shelter, as the fire department claims it lacked proper permits, although this assertion is disputed by a city official.
This tragedy echoes a similar event 11 years prior, when a devastating fire in the same state claimed over 240 lives and injured hundreds after a flare ignited inside a nightclub in Santa Maria, trapping patrons and igniting the building.