Building in Brazil partially collapses after blast
January 25th, 2012
07:03 PM ET

Building in Brazil partially collapses after blast

An 18-story building partially collapsed after an explosion in the historic center of Rio de Janeiro Wednesday, state media reported.

Civil defense authorities told Agencia Brasil that there were injuries, but they did not provide details.

"I started to hear a crackling. I thought they were gunshots. When I looked up, I saw the top floors falling," maintenance worker Julio Cesar de Oliveria Brandao told CNN affiliate TV Record.

There was a fire after the blast, Agencia Brasil said. Police and fire officials were isolating the area and searching for victims, the news agency reported.

Cars parked on the street were covered in dust, and there was a strong smell of gas in the area, fire officials said, according to the news agency. The building's lobby contained a bank branch and a bakery, Agencia Brasil said.

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soundoff (24 Responses)
  1. bobcat (in a hat) ©

    I know what you mean. I tried semi-retirement a couple of years ago. I was climbing the damn walls.

    January 26, 2012 at 12:02 am | Report abuse |
  2. chrissy

    Aha thats what ill call myself, semi retired. Maybe that will make me feel better lmao. Meanwhile im gonna try and work part time cuz volunteer work aint enough.

    January 26, 2012 at 12:08 am | Report abuse |
    • Heli

      issue is not price, the question is who will pay the price of those lives lost. When the WTC fell no one made ​​comments like chirping about the loss of lives. If this had happened ne your country would all be crying.

      January 26, 2012 at 7:10 am | Report abuse |
  3. BOMBO ©

    If you get too bored and have a bit of money lying around, you could always re-open the bakery in that building in Rio. I'll bet it's going cheap.

    January 26, 2012 at 12:09 am | Report abuse |
  4. chrissy

    Lmao wonderful idea BOMBO except for the fire smell that will undoubtedly be in the air for a good long while! That would drop sales i imagine eh? Lmfao.

    January 26, 2012 at 12:15 am | Report abuse |
  5. bobcat (in a hat) ©

    ?

    January 26, 2012 at 1:37 pm | Report abuse |
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