Ten people remain hospitalized after inhaling smoke during the fire that occurred last Thursday (8) in the Covanca tunnel, on the Linha Amarela, an expressway that connects Ilha do Governador, in the north zone, to Barra da Tijuca, in the west zone of Rio. Two victims are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Ronaldo Gazolla Municipal Hospital, in Acari, in the north zone. One of the victims is in serious condition and the other is in stable health.
Eight more smoke inhalation victims are hospitalized in Rede d’Or hospitals. accident with a truck of beer that caught fire in the tunnel left dozens of people poisoned by smoke inhalation.
Survey
The Rio de Janeiro Military Fire Department reported that, after notification and application of the first infraction notice, the concessionaire that manages the Yellow Line presented documentation proving that maintenance had been carried out on the ventilation and mechanical exhaust system of gases in the Covanca Tunnel and other tunnels along the route.
According to the firefighters, the company is still responsible for adopting fire and panic safety measures in order to obtain the Certificate of Approval from the corporation. Failure to comply within a period of up to 60 days may result in a fine and closure of the structure.
By order of the Secretary of Civil Defense, Colonel Leandro Monteiro, fire stations throughout the state began preventive inspections in tunnels and underpasses in the municipality last Friday (9). The objective is to raise awareness in society about the importance of a culture of prevention and to guarantee the safety of the population.
Of the 23 tunnels inspected by the corporation in the city of Rio, only two are in order, with the Certificate of Approval, and comply with all fire and panic safety measures required by law. The remaining structures were notified for legalization within a period of up to two months.
