10 dies in Flamengo’s facility fire Incident

An unfortunate fire incident has claimed the lives of 10 people at Flamengo's training facility in Vargem Grande in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, the local fire department has confirmed.

Six players and four members of staff have been reported to be amongst the deceased. A total number of three others were injured in the blaze, with one thought to be in a serious condition, and were taken to the Lourenco Jorge Municipal Hospital in Barra da Tijuca, also in the West Zone.

Three of the survivals of the tragedy were identified as 15-year-old Jonathan Cruz Ventura, Francisco Diogo Bento Alves, 15, and Caua Emanoel Gomes Nuines, 14.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Henaut of the fire service, the fire was in the accommodation in which the players sleep.

“The site was at the accommodation where the players were sleeping,” Douglas said in an interview with Globo TV. “We have not identified the victims yet, that will be carried out by the civil police.”

Douglas also added that the fire department were yet to confirm the exact cause of the fire, but did say that those who died were likely sleeping when the blaze began.

“There is a possibility that the victims were asleep due to the location and the time of the event. They may not have had time to leave.”

During an interview with Sportv, a worker in a nearby building said he heard an explosion around 5:10am local time, followed by a power outage.

The father of a yet to be named 17-year-old survivor also spoke to the press: “My son woke up in smoke, called on his friend and ran off. I spoke to him this morning. We feel deep sadness for the other boys that we knew.”

Based on the additional information provided by the fire department, the situation is now under control.

Customarily, tributes have been pouring in for the victims, with Brazil icon Zico and former Flamengo player Vinicius Jr, now at Real Madrid, amongst footballers sending in their condolences.

“What a tragedy at Flamengo,” Zico said. “What a shock to receive this news. May god comfort the families who lost their children, grandchildren, brothers, nephews and relatives.

Que notícia triste! Oremos por todos! Força, força e força 😢

— Vinicius Jr ⚡️ (@vini11Oficial) February 8, 2019

“Let us pray for all,” Vinicius added. “Strength, strength and strength.”

Flamengo were originally scheduled to play against fierce rivals Fluminense on Saturday, but the football association for the state of Rio has confirmed that the match will be postponed pending discussions with the clubs, TV rights holders and other stakeholders involved.



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