A 21-year-old worker has died following the sudden collapse of a 56-metre artificial Christmas tree in Brazil during a storm.
Local outlets identified the victim as Vinícius dos Santos Abreu, who was reportedly rushed to Conde Modesto Leal Hospital before being pronounced dead.
Two other workers suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the incident, but all remaining staff have been accounted for.
The incident, which took place on Monday afternoon close to Rio de Janeiro, occurred days before the giant festive decoration was meant to be unveiled at a ceremony on December 18.
It is understood that the workers were in the process of preparing the tree for its imminent light switch-on when disaster hit.
A video captured from the scene recorded dark stormy skies and gusty wind before the white and red tree starts collapsing at the bottom and plunging into the water.
🚨🇧🇷 Tragedia en Brasil
— SNT Canal 9 (@sntparaguay) December 17, 2024
🌪️🎄 Una fuerte tormenta derribó un árbol de Navidad flotante de 56 metros, causando la muerte de un trabajador y dejando otros tres heridos. La estructura no resistió los vientos intensos que azotaron la ciudad en la tarde de ayer
📲🔔 No olvides… pic.twitter.com/eoBWzIq5PX
Flashes of lightning can be seen in the background as the remaining workers are filmed trying to help others on the platform.
It appears that the workers were reportedly caught off guard after the tree suddenly started toppling, with Mr Abreu unable to get out of the way in time.
Located in the municipality of Marica, the floating Christmas tree has become a popular tourist attraction during the festive period.
A statement from the municipality linked the incident to an unforeseen change in weather.
“Marica Town Hall deeply regrets the tragedy that occurred yesterday afternoon at Araçatiba Lagoon, when one person died and two were injured after the structure of the Christmas tree that was being assembled collapsed.”
“The Town Hall is providing full support to the victims and their families, as well as investigating the causes of the accident.”
The statement continued: “As soon as Civil Defense issued a rain alert, at 3:45 pm, the company hired to assemble the tree began to remove the employees."
"At that moment, the workers were surprised by the passage of a storm, with strong winds and heavy rain, which brought down the structure in a few seconds.”
Investigations are currently underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Two days of mourning were announced in Marcia following the tragic incident, suspending Christmas lights and displays around the area as a mark of respect.
