Deadly Fire at Shopping Tijuca Claims Two Lives in Rio de Janeiro

Tragedy Strikes Shopping Tijuca

A devastating fire broke out at Shopping Tijuca in the Zona Norte of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on the evening of Friday, January 2, 2026, resulting in the tragic deaths of two employees. The victims have been identified as Anderson Aguiar do Prado, a supervisor of the shopping's brigade, and Emellyn Silva Aguiar Menezes, a brigadista. The incident also left at least three other individuals injured, who were transported to local hospitals.

Incident Unfolds and Evacuation Efforts

The fire reportedly began around 6:30 PM in the air conditioning system of a decoration store, identified as Bell'Art, located in the subsoil (basement) of the shopping center. Employees reported a strong smell and intense smoke shortly before the blaze escalated. A swift and organized evacuation of the entire shopping complex was initiated, ensuring the safety of numerous customers and staff. Social media footage depicted individuals exiting the mall via vehicle ramps, highlighting the urgency of the situation. While the shopping's administration stated that emergency protocols were followed, some patrons reported a lack of audible alarms and delayed evacuation orders, causing moments of tension.

Intensive Firefighting and Heroic Casualties

The shopping's internal brigade initially engaged the fire before the arrival of the Corpo de Bombeiros Militar do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (Military Fire Department). Firefighters were alerted at approximately 6:28 PM and mobilized a substantial response, including around 65 military personnel from 15 operational units and 22 vehicles. The fire's location in the subsoil presented significant challenges, characterized by difficult access and a high concentration of smoke, necessitating the use of specialized equipment for smoke dispersion and mechanical ventilation. To facilitate emergency access, Rua Engenheiro Enaldo Cravo Peixoto, a street leading to the shopping, was temporarily closed.

The two fatalities, Anderson Aguiar do Prado and Emellyn Silva Aguiar Menezes, were both members of the shopping's fire brigade and were actively involved in combating the flames. Anderson Aguiar do Prado was rescued and transported to Hospital Municipal Souza Aguiar but succumbed to his injuries, while Emellyn Silva Aguiar Menezes was found deceased at the scene. Additionally, three other individuals sustained injuries and received medical attention at Hospital Municipal Souza Aguiar and UPA Tijuca.

Investigation Underway and Mall Closure

As of Saturday, January 3, 2026, firefighters continued their work on site, focusing on overhaul and cooling down the affected areas. The Civil Police, specifically the 19ª DP (Tijuca), has launched an investigation into the deaths and the overall circumstances of the fire, with a forensic examination requested. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. In the aftermath of the incident, Shopping Tijuca announced its closure for the remainder of the weekend to allow for damage assessment and safety inspections. This incident follows a minor fire at the same shopping center on December 24, 2024, which was quickly controlled without casualties.