A tragic incident occurred at a renowned Brazilian restaurant where a cook lost her life after a floor collapse trapped six individuals in rubble. Suênia Maria Tomé Bezerra, 51, was working at the Jamile restaurant in Sao Paulo when the accident happened. The mezzanine floor gave way, resulting in her being trapped and succumbing to her injuries despite paramedics’ efforts. The restaurant, owned by chef Henrique Fogaca of the Brazilian ‘Masterchef’ show, is now under investigation for the building collapse.
The community mourns the loss of Ms. Bezerra, who had been with the restaurant for three years. Originally from Paraiba, she relocated to Sao Paulo to support her son’s medical studies, leaving behind a successful business selling birthday cakes. Her brother, who also works at the restaurant, was thankfully not present during the collapse.
Located in the Bixiga neighborhood of Sao Paulo, Jamile is known for its Italian cuisine and is spread across three floors. Mr. Fogaca expressed deep sadness over the incident and extended his sympathies to the victims and their families. Despite being out of the country, he remains in constant communication with the restaurant’s management to ensure support for those affected and facilitate a thorough investigation in collaboration with the authorities.
Initial suspicions of a gas leak causing the collapse were dismissed after investigations. The gas distributor in the area shut off the gas supply as a precaution but confirmed no link between the incident and gas leakage. Comgás expressed regrets over the incident and pledged cooperation with authorities to determine the cause.
In this challenging time, the focus remains on supporting the affected individuals and understanding the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.