Cave collapse causes nine deaths in Brazil. Portugal expresses “concern”
Nine people died after the collapse of the Gruta do Itambé, near Altinópolis, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.
The number was confirmed this Sunday after the search was declared over after several firefighters were buried after the cave collapsed.
Of the wounds, only two are known to be women and one is male. Details of the identity of the other six victims have not yet been revealed.
Of the total of ten operatives that were buried, at least one was rescued alive so far. Two are still missing.
Other people known were injured and were transported to the Hospital de Misericórdia in Altinópolis, but they have already been discharged.
According to the broadcaster Globe, the heavy rains that have fallen in the region in recent hours contributed to the collapse of the cave’s roof.
The sister of one of the deaths told the site G1 that the group had been in training exercises at the site since Saturday, having even spent the night in the cave.
Rescue operations are being hampered by difficult access to the cave and a lot of mud on site. According to authorities, there is a risk of new landslides.
Local authorities informed that, in addition to the fire brigades in the area, elements of the Military Police are working in relief operations.
The Portuguese Government has already communicated a diplomatic representation of Brazil in Lisbon to express solidarity and concern about the situation.
The Secretary of State for Internal Administration “transmitted a certainty that all efforts are being made in the rescue operations of the firefighters who are still inside the cave and who continue to monitor”, informs a note from the MAI.