A residential building under construction collapsed on the morning of Thursday, November 13, 2023, in the Vila Nova Cachoeirinha neighborhood of São Paulo, leaving at least two people injured. The incident, which drew immediate emergency response, is now igniting discussions about construction safety and regulation enforcement.
According to reports from the Corpo de Bombeiros (Fire Department), the site, located on Rua Pedro Osório Filho, had not only exceeded its authorized structure but also had been under scrutiny due to previous violations. Local authorities had granted permission for the construction of only three stories, yet photos from the area taken just days before the collapse revealed at least seven floors added, as reported by TV Globo.
The building, known provisionally as Residencial Recanto, was flagged by municipal officials for its unauthorized expansion. The São Paulo municipal government confirmed it had issued two fines totaling R$3.1 million against the property owner, identified as Renato Robson de Souza, and the appointed site engineer, Antonio Ricardo Ribeiro Júnior. These penalties were levied following inspections performed earlier this year, which concluded the building’s height exceeded local zoning regulations.
The engineer involved, Ribeiro, maintains his registration with the Conselho Regional de Engenharia e Agronomia de São Paulo (CREA-SP), which is now conducting its own investigation to address potential professional infractions related to this construction mishap.
Local residents witnessed the dramatic event, characterized by loud rumbling noises as the structure crumbled. Orlando D’Ávila, a barber with two decades of experience running his business nearby, described the scene: “We were inside. Suddenly, there was a huge noise and everything shook. Then came the cloud of dust,” he recounted. “A lot of people had been working there until the end of last year, but today (Thursday), there was only one security guard present who was injured. It could have been far worse, and I truly believe it was by luck no more people were there.”
The site had reportedly been operational for about six months with numerous workers present during its early phases, but the drastic everyday activities had diminished leading up to the incident.
Nobody anticipated the collapse at approximately 10:20 AM, which resulted not only in panic among nearby workers but also put considerable strain on local emergency services. Eleven fire units arrived quickly to tend to the scene, with two reported injuries: one man suffered a serious leg injury, resulting in a compound fracture, and was transported to the Hospital do Mandaqui, located nearby. The second victim declined medical treatment for superficial injuries.
With investigations still underway, experts are assessing structural integrity, compliance with environmental regulations, and safety protocols for existing buildings nearby. The construction site sits adjacent to the Água Preta creek, leading to questions of environmental suitability and zoning compliance, particularly since part of the property lies within a designated Permanent Preservation Area.
This incident raises pressing concerns around the effectiveness of municipal oversight on construction practices—a sentiment echoed by safety advocates and residents alike. Calls for improved regulations and enforcement mechanisms are intensifying, underscoring the need to prevent future tragedies.
Following this collapse, local authorities are determined to gain clarity on both causations and lapses in safety protocols. Per representatives from the Subprefeitura Casa Verde/Cachoeirinha, inspections will be implemented on surrounding structures to evaluate their safety, ensuring no additional incidents occur as investigations continue.
While this event has shaken the community, it brings to light the broader issues surrounding building regulations and enforcement within São Paulo. Increased scrutiny over construction safety measures could catalyze significant reform, fostering healthier living conditions and minimizing the risk of accidents related to regulatory breaches.