A large fire broke out in a commercial building in downtown São Paulo (Brazil) and caused three injuries transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation. According to official sources, the injured are stable. The Fire Department confirmed that after more than six hours of work, the fire has been controlled and the building is not at risk of structural collapse.
The Civil Defense of the state of São Paulo reported that around 200 small businesses were partially affected by the flames. Part of the roof of the establishment where the fire started collapsed. The fire began at Shopping 25 de março, located in Brás, an important commercial area of the capital, and required the intervention of more than 70 firefighters.
Authorities are still unaware of the causes of the fire. The streets near the building remain closed, and the bus lines passing through the area have been diverted. This is the second fire recorded this week in the same neighborhood of the capital of São Paulo.
In statements to local media, a representative of the Civil Defense stated: "So far, firefighters are cooling the areas affected by the fire. The situation is being assessed to avoid new risks."
