Four players, six others dead in Flamengo fire
A fire at the training centre of Rio de Janeiro football club Flamengo killed 10 people and injured at least three others on Friday, one of them seriously, firefighters and news reports said.
The fire broke out in the early hours of the morning at the Ninho do Urubu, a state-of-the-art training centre that was expanded and opened only two months ago. The facility has accommodation for teenage players.
"The kids from the Flamengo youth team were sleeping there at the time," firefighter Douglas Henaut told Globo News.
Globo's news site reported that youth players were among the dead, although it did not cite its sources. The three injured were 14- and 15-years-old, according to the site. All three were taken to hospital, one of them reportedly in a serious condition.
Aerial footage showed corrugated iron roofs distorted by the fire and piles of charred items. Nearby trees were also scorched by the flames.
After years of financial difficulties, Flamengo last year spent 23 million reais to expand the Ninho do Urubu facilities. In addition to accommodation for young players, the facilities include several pitches, an aquatic park, a gym, a medical centre and a mini stadium.
"What a tragedy this is! What a shock to receive this news here on the other side of the world," Flamengo and Brazil legend Zico wrote on Instagram. "May God comfort the relatives who lost their children, grandchildren, brothers, nephews. Boys who dreamed of a future in their lives and many without a doubt of helping their families. Lives are gone. May the Rubro-negra Nation have the strength and faith to overcome this moment."
Flamengo made no official statement other than to tweet that it was in mourning. But rival teams across Brazil, including fellow Rio sides Botafogo, Fluminense and Vasco da Gama, tweeted their solidarity.
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