On Wednesday afternoon, February 5, 2025, the roof of the historic Church of San Francisco de Assis, often referred to as the 'Church of Gold', collapsed, leading to one death and several injuries within Salvador’s vibrant historical district.
The unfortunate victim has been identified as Giulia Panchoni Righetto, a 26-year-old tourist from Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo. She was visiting the church with friends when the tragic incident occurred, according to information provided by the Bahia State Police to local news outlets.
Authorities reported five additional individuals suffered injuries during the collapse, but thankfully, none are believed to be life-threatening. The victims received immediate assistance from emergency services, including personnel from the Mobile Emergency Service (Samu) and firefighters, who rushed to the scene shortly after the incident took place.
The collapse took place during the afternoon, reportedly when there was minimal public presence inside the church. Colonel Adson Marchesini, commander of the Bahia Fire Department, confirmed to CNN Brasil, “We successfully removed Giulia’s body, and there were no subsequent victims found beneath the rubble.” Images shared on social media depict extensive debris covering the altar area where congregants typically gather for mass.
The Church of San Francisco de Assis is recognized for its Baroque architecture, extensively decorated with gold leaf, and is regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin Worldwide. Its construction dates back to the 17th century, and it has held historical significance not only for its ornate interior but also as a registered cultural heritage site under the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (Iphan).
Following the collapse, the area surrounding the church was cordoned off to allow for rescue operations and investigations. Emergency response teams conducted thorough inspections of the site to determine if anyone else was trapped under the debris. This incident has raised serious concerns about the structural integrity of the building, which has reportedly suffered from neglect over the years.
Local government officials, including Salvador’s Mayor Bruno Reis and Bahia’s Governor Jerônimo Rodrigues, expressed their condolences and support for the victims' families. “We are fully available to provide necessary support to the victims and assist in the recovery of this heritage site,” Reis wrote on X. He reassured the community of Salvador, stating, “We will closely monitor the situation and take all necessary measures to alleviate the impact of this tragedy.”
Governor Rodrigues echoed these sentiments, expressing deep regret over the incident. “I am saddened to learn of the collapse at the Church of San Francisco de Assis, which resulted in one fatality and left several others injured. The federal government is prepared to assist local authorities, especially for the reconstruction of this sacred place for many Brazilians.”
The region’s historical structures have faced scrutiny due to their dilapidated conditions. Prior to this incident, certain areas of the church had already been closed off for safety concerns following the partial collapsing of nearby structures due to wear and tear. Reports suggested previous incidents of deteriorated conditions including falling debris, cracks, and moisture infiltration which prompted calls for restoration efforts.
Despite the church’s cultural significance, the preservation of such historical landmarks poses challenges due to the legal restrictions surrounding restoration work necessary to maintain their historical integrity. Detailed plans for renovations need to be approved by Iphan to commence any work.
Since 2023, concerns over the building's safety were escalated when one of its pinnacles was temporarily closed off due to fears of potential collapse. At the same time, experts have pointed out the church has suffered from neglect, requiring significant investments to bring it back to safe conditions for visitors.
The incident has sparked widespread concern among the public, emphasizing the urgent need for protective measures and maintenance strategies for historical sites. Calls for improved safety protocols have grown louder following such tragic events, urging governing bodies to take more proactive action to prevent future occurrences.
Although the site remains popular for visitors due to its stunning architecture and rich history, this tragedy strikes at the heart of the tourism sector and the local community's reverence for their cultural heritage.
Moving forward, investigations led by the Homicide and Protection Department (DHPP) will focus on determining the causes of the roof collapse, with forensic reports expected to provide insights on how to prevent similar incidents from occurring again. Meanwhile, the calls for restoration efforts intensify as the community mourns the incident and looks to rebound from this loss.