A fire Wednesday at a Rio de Janeiro factory that produces costumes for the city's iconic Carnival left 10 people hospitalized, Rio’s state health department said, casting a shadow over preparations for one of the world’s biggest shows.
Rio's Labor Prosecutor’s Office said it has opened an inquiry into the working conditions at the factory, citing press reports of workers, including teenagers, sleeping on-site and evidence of degrading labor practices.
The state’s civil defense has completely closed off the factory and the annex building as the fire has caused damage to the structure and it could collapse, Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes said on X.
Around 90 firefighters battled the blaze, rescuing 21 people, Rio’s military fire department said in a statement.
“The impact of this incident directly affects the planning of Carnival and the entire production chain involved in its realization,” Liga RJ, an association of samba schools, said on Instagram.
