Explosion at metal factory kills four, injures at least 30 in Brazil
11 September 2023
Officials have said that an explosion at a metal plant in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo killed four workers and injured dozens more on 1 September. The facility was completely destroyed by the blast resulting in a lengthy and difficult search and rescue operation.
Representative image: Shutterstock
The incident happened in the city of Cabreuva, around 60 miles (90km) northwest of the city of Sao Paulo. Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas said on social media that dozens of firefighters and rescue teams were sent to the scene after reports of an explosion at around 11:00 local time.
Several fire trucks, as well as two fire department helicopters, were used to help extinguish a large fire that erupted at the factory following the blast. Local media reported that the explosion occurred after equipment overheated. Officials added that the source of the explosion was likely an aluminium melting furnace.
The local government said in a statement that it estimated around 30 people suffered injuries as a result of the explosion with 11 of these being serious. All 11 were rushed to local hospitals along with 14 others who had suffered minor injuries.
One person was confirmed to have died at the scene while three others died as a result of their injuries in hospital.
An investigation has been opened to determine the exact cause of the explosion.