A tranquil afternoon turned tragic on December 16th, when Maricá's celebrated floating Christmas tree, standing 56 meters tall at Lagoa de Araçatiba, collapsed amid fierce winds and heavy rain. Originally scheduled for its grand reveal the following evening, this modern spectacle was intended to brighten the holiday spirit of locals and visitors alike.
At approximately 4:30 PM, as ominous clouds gathered overhead, the tree succumbed to the severe weather conditions. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos as strong gusts knocked the massive structure over, catching several workers off guard. Video footage circulating on social media captured the moment of the collapse, showcasing the rapid descent of the iconic holiday figure.
The unfortunate incident saw three workers directly affected by the fall, with one of them—a 21-year-old man—tragically losing his life shortly after being transported to Hospital Municipal Conde Modesto Leal. The other two workers were taken to Hospital Municipal Dr. Ernesto Che Guevara, where they received immediate medical attention. Fortunately, they were declared out of danger, with one already released by the following day.
The collapse came as quite the shock not only to the workers but to the entire community, which had been eagerly anticipating the tree's illumination ceremony scheduled for December 17th. The local government had planned multiple festivities around the structure, including performances of Águas Dançantes, adding to the festive atmosphere of the season. Residents had even referred to the tree as one of Maricá’s main tourist attractions for the holiday season.
Just prior to the catastrophe, the Defense Civil agency issued warnings about impending thunderstorms, advising for the evacuation of workers. The tree assembly company initiated the withdrawal of their personnel, but the tempest hit abruptly, enveloping the scene before the workers could safely evacuate. This left many scrambling for safety, with some seen swimming frantically to escape the falling debris.
The fire department, ambulance services, and local authorities acted quickly, providing emergency assistance to those affected and initiating rescue operations for the stranded workers. Despite these efforts, tragedy struck with the death of the young man, whose identity has yet to be publicly released. Authorities have promised to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Following the event, the Municipality of Maricá publicly expressed its condolences and pledged full support to the victims and their families. The city hall emphasized their commitment to having safety measures rigorously reviewed to prevent such calamities from recurring, especially when large structures are involved during adverse weather conditions.
The fallen tree, adorned with about 360,000 twinkling lights, had been painstakingly constructed to embody the spirit of the holiday season. It was intended to be not only a visual attraction but also a gathering point for community celebration and joy, offering visitors unique photo opportunities.
Even now, as investigations are underway, images and videos of the incident have sparked conversations about safety regulations and the structural integrity of festive displays, especially those of significant size and weight. The community's grief is palpable, serving as a painful reminder of the risks associated with outdoor installations during unpredictable weather.
This tragedy has also raised awareness surrounding severe weather forecasts and how they should be heeded with seriousness. Although these types of artistic displays aim to raise spirits and draw crowds, the lives of the workers involved remind us of the hard work and dedication underlying such seasonal celebrations.
The aftermath of this incident will affect not just those directly involved but also the larger community of Maricá as they navigate their way through mourning and the search for answers. Public opinion remains heavily focused on how this tragedy occurred, and what steps must now be taken to protect workers and the public at future events.
