PHOTOS: building that collapsed in Brás has a destroyed structure; see firefighters work on site

The collapse occurred in the mezzanine area of ​​the building. At the time of the accident, 35 workers were at the establishment, some of them unloading fabrics.

Part of the glass facade of the four-story building that collapsed in Brás, in the center of São Paulo, on Friday night (6), remained standing. Behind it, however, the internal structure was destroyed and was covered in rubble.

On Saturday morning (7), rolls of fabric were still spread across the floor of the property and the street. Aerial images show the extent of the damage, while records taken at street level show the movement of firefighters, machines and City Hall teams, who removed fabrics from the affected area.

The collapse occurred in the mezzanine area of ​​the building. At the time of the accident, 35 workers were at the establishment, some of them unloading fabrics. The two women responsible for the store, mother and daughter, were also there, as well as a man who had entered the store to use the bathroom.

According to the police report, 27 workers were identified as having left the property. The two people responsible for the store also escaped without serious injuries. Four people were rescued and taken to the Mooca UPA, in stable condition. They remained hospitalized this Saturday morning.

This Saturday morning, firefighters carried out a new sweep with sniffer dogs to check if there were people under the rubble. No victims were located during this new operation. During the early hours of the morning, one of the animals had indicated a possible signal at the location.

Despite this, the possibility of victims has not yet been completely ruled out. According to Lieutenant Colonel Rodrigo Otávio Bareli, from the Fire Department, employees and those responsible for the establishment said that all workers were seen outside after the collapse. There was also no record of family members looking for missing people.

After sweeping, the teams went to work removing more debris, with the support of a backhoe. The dogs must return to the search in the late afternoon.

The building that collapsed did not have a Fire Department Inspection Report (AVCB), a document that certifies that a building meets the fire and panic safety conditions required by law.

According to the City Hall, the property also did not have a current operating license. Three properties on Rua Maria Joaquina were closed due to the risk of structural collapse.

The causes of the collapse have not yet been reported. According to captain Karoline Burunsizian, spokesperson for the São Paulo Fire Department, the investigation will be responsible for determining what caused the collapse.

Workers who were in the building reported to the Civil Police that the property had been receiving large loads of fabrics in the days leading up to the accident.