Worker Killed, Two Injured as Floating Christmas Tree Collapses During Storm in Brazil
MARICÁ, Brazil – A tragic accident occurred on Monday when a floating Christmas tree collapsed during a thunderstorm in the coastal waters of Lagoa de Aractiba, located in the municipality of Maricá, Rio de Janeiro. The incident resulted in the death of one worker and injuries to two others.
The 184-foot-tall Christmas tree, one of Maricá’s most beloved tourist attractions, was being set up with 360,000 lights in preparation for an official lighting ceremony scheduled for December 18.
Strong winds from the storm caused the tree to topple, breaking apart as it fell near the shore. Debris from the display scattered in the lagoon, with pieces floating in the water.
Despite efforts from bystanders on the beach and other workers who rushed to a nearby dock to assist, the collapse happened too quickly for help to arrive in time.
Emergency responders were able to rescue the two injured workers, who were later transported to a local hospital. However, the third worker, identified as 21-year-old Vinicius dos Santos Abreu, was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
The tragedy occurred just hours after local Civil Defense officials had issued a warning about the approaching storm. The crew, attempting to evacuate, was unable to do so quickly enough, and the tree collapsed in mere seconds.
Maricá’s Mayor Fabiano Horta announced two days of mourning in the municipality, during which all Christmas light programming would be suspended. Police are continuing to investigate the incident.
