A devastating fire engulfed the Maximus Confecções factory, located on Rua Roberto Silva, 145, in Ramos, Rio de Janeiro, on the morning of February 12, 2025. The flames wreaked havoc at one of the city's prime costume manufacturers just days before the carnival season, stirring not only destruction but also panic among the workers trapped inside.
According to G1, the incident occurred shortly after 7:39 AM when emergency services were first alerted. There were approximately 100 employees on the premises at the time, many of whom were reported to be sleeping, caught completely unaware of the imminent danger. Reports suggest the documentation of the factory was irregular, prompting concerns about safety standards.
Witnesses described how the fire rapidly spread throughout the building, with one factory worker recounting, "It was very quick; it devoured everything!" The urgency intensified as workers found themselves trapped, some desperately seeking refuge. Videos circulating on social media depicted scenes of horror as employees were seen pleading for help from windows, enveloped by thick black smoke.
Firefighters from six operational units arrived on the scene to combat the blaze, employing portable ladders due to the difficulty of access caused by the building's layout. Streets around the factory were cordoned off by the local police to secure the area and facilitate rescue operations, reflecting the emergency's gravity.
During the dramatic rescue, four individuals were saved moments before the flames reached their location, highlighting the race against time faced by the firefighters. "The firefighters were running with portable ladders to evacuate the workers, and they managed to get to the victims just before the fire spread to their level," said a witness to the heroic efforts.
According to preliminary reports, the fire left at least 21 people injured, with 10 sustaining severe injuries, mainly due to smoke inhalation. Hospitals across the region received the victims, with significant cases reported at the Hospital Estadual Getúlio Vargas, among others. While the conditions of the injured were being assessed, the focus remained primarily on ensuring no one else was trapped inside the burning structure.
Hugo Júnior, the president of LigaRJ, lamented the loss, stating, "Everything indicates the loss of materials was total." This devastated not only the factory but also the local samba schools, particularly as it is known for supplying costumes for the prestigious Série Ouro and Intendente Magalhães divisions. Both the Império Serrano and Unidos da Ponte samba schools confirmed all their 2025 carnival costume production was stored at Maximus, bringing their preparations to a standstill.
The tragedy prompted immediate responses from community leaders. The governor of Rio de Janeiro, Cláudio Castro, announced the activation of aerial groups and specialized rescue teams. By the end of the morning, they had successfully rescued 17 individuals from the scene, showcasing the city's emergency services' commitment to safeguarding life amid chaos.
Mayor Eduardo Paes reassured the affected samba schools saying, "If there is any possibility of parading, the affected schools will be considered hors concours," ensuring they wouldn't be penalized for circumstances beyond their control as logistical issues arise from the fire.
Local samba schools are now assessing the situation, with the Liga de Carnaval of Rio de Janeiro intending to hold urgent discussions to support schools amid this disaster. Unidos da Ponte expressed the importance of ensuring all those present at the location were safe, emphasizing community solidarity during this traumatic event.
While recovery efforts continue, the broader conversation has begun surrounding safety regulations within the textile production industry, especially with the upcoming carnival season on the horizon. The local authorities are expected to undertake rigorous investigations to establish how such incidents can be prevented, ensuring the safety of workers is prioritized.
Maximus Confecções, once hailed as the lifeblood of vibrant carnival festivities, tragically transformed overnight from creation to destruction, representing not just material loss but also deep community impacts as Rio de Janeiro braces for the season. The resilience of local residents and their commitment to supporting each other during such dark times will be put to the test as they navigate the aftermath of this calamity.