A devastating playground accident in Brazil has claimed the life of a 10-year-old girl and left four other children injured, including her younger brother, after a wooden outdoor shelter collapsed without warning. The tragic incident occurred on February 17 at the Ville Vitoria condominium in Vespasiano, located in Minas Gerais state, where Lorrayne Rabelo Fernandes was playing with other children.
Sudden Collapse and Fatal Consequences
The structure, described as a pergola or canopy, gave way suddenly, sending heavy wooden beams tumbling onto a group of five children aged between four and 10 years old. Lorrayne was found partially trapped beneath the debris and suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest. Despite the rapid response from emergency services, she was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving her family and community in profound grief.
Injuries and Emergency Response
Four other children sustained injuries in the collapse. Lorrayne's seven-year-old brother, Paulo Rabelo Fernandes, suffered head wounds that required stitches and remains under medical observation, though he is reported to be out of danger. Another boy was hospitalized with a possible pelvic injury and suspected spinal trauma, while two young girls were treated at a local emergency care unit for minor injuries and later discharged.
The incident triggered a massive emergency response, with the Minas Gerais Military Fire Brigade, Service of Urgent Medical Aid teams including an advanced life support unit, and Military Police all deployed to the condominium. The girl's father arrived at the scene to find his daughter already lifeless, adding to the heartbreak of the situation.
Investigation Launched into Causes
The Civil Police of Minas Gerais have opened an investigation to determine the causes and circumstances of the collapse. Forensic experts have examined the site, but police stated that only after expert reports are completed and further inquiries carried out will it be possible to establish the dynamics of the incident and identify any potential responsibility.
Condominium Response and Community Mourning
In a statement, the Ville Vitoria condominium said the area was immediately sealed off after the accident and that they are fully cooperating with authorities. They expressed solidarity with the families of the children impacted but indicated they will not comment further until investigations are concluded. Lorrayne's body was taken to the Institute of Forensic Medicine before being released to her family, and she was laid to rest on February 18 at the Parque da Ressurreicao Cemetery in Vespasiano.
This shocking incident follows another recent tragedy in Brazil, where a baby boy drowned in a pool during his own first birthday party in São Carlos, São Paulo province, earlier this month. The community is now grappling with the loss of young Lorrayne, as authorities work to uncover what led to the fatal playground collapse and ensure such a disaster does not happen again.
