Tragic Fire Kills 10 in Porto Alegre Hotel: Lack of Safety Measures Blamed

PORTO ALEGRE - Tragedy struck in the early hours of Friday, as a devastating fire ripped through a small hotel in the southern Brazilian city of Porto Alegre, claiming the lives of at least 10 individuals and leaving 11 injured. The fire, which originated in the three-story building, resulted in a catastrophic loss of life and a significant number of injuries.

According to the fire brigade of the Rio Grande do Sul state, the hotel, known as Garoa Floresta and part of the Garoa group chain, provided affordable housing for single individuals but was found to lack proper licensing and an emergency fire plan. This absence of essential safety measures is deeply concerning and has raised serious questions about the safety standards of the establishment.

Survivor's Harrowing Account

A survivor of the fire, 56-year-old Marcelo Wagner Schelech, recounted the harrowing experience of escaping the engulfed building. Schelech revealed, "I only had time to put on my flip-flops and run. My sister, who lived on the third floor, ended up being burned to death." The emotional and tragic account emphasizes the horrific impact of the fire on the hotel's occupants.

Injuries and Critical Conditions

Out of the 11 individuals rescued from the blaze, nine were hospitalized, with five of them reported to be in critical condition. The extent of the injuries underscores the severity of the situation and the urgent need for medical attention for the survivors.

Past Incidents and Ongoing Investigations

Notably, this is not the first fire incident involving the Garoa group, as a similar tragedy occurred in another hotel in 2022, resulting in one fatality and 11 injuries. The recurrence of such devastating incidents within the same hotel chain raises serious concerns about the overall safety and security protocols in place.

The authorities, including Porto Alegre Mayor Sebastião Melo, have emphasized the need for thorough investigations into the recent fire. Mayor Melo expressed his commitment to closely monitor the investigative process, signaling the paramount importance of determining the causes and preventing such tragedies in the future.