Fire claims nine lives at Sem Terra camp in northern Brazil

The Landless Rural Workers' Movement (Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra—MST) expressed deep sorrow for the tragic loss of nine lives on Sunday (Dec. 10) at the Terra e Liberdade camp in Parauapebas, situated in the southern region of the state of Pará. The fatalities occurred due to a fire triggered by a short circuit in the electricity grid.

According to the movement's press office, an internet company was in the process of installing services at the camp when the antenna collided with the high-voltage power network. As a result of this collision, an electrical discharge occurred, leading to a fire that infiltrated people's homes through both the electricity network and the fence dividing the camp, as stated in the note.

Among the nine victims, six were campers, and three were employees from the internet company. However, there is a possibility that the number of victims could increase.

"With deep sorrow, on Human Rights Day, December 10, I must report the tragic incident that has affected the MST camp in the southern region of Pará, claiming the lives of our fellow movement members," expressed João Paulo Rodrigues, a representative of the national leadership of the MST.

On behalf of the MST leadership, Rodrigues conveyed solidarity with the families of the victims. He further announced the organization of a collective burial for the victims scheduled for Monday (11).

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his condolences for the tragic incident and extended solidarity to the victims' families in a statement released by the Planalto presidential palace on Sunday. He underscored the government's commitment to advancing agrarian reform by “identifying available public land, aiming to provide rural families with the opportunity to work and produce after years of stagnation.”