A tragic incident unfolded at a renowned Brazilian eatery when a floor gave way, resulting in the death of a cook and trapping five others beneath the debris. Sunia Maria Tom Bezerra, aged 51, was on duty at Jamile restaurant, located in the heart of São Paulo, when the mezzanine level suddenly collapsed on Wednesday, October 8.
The establishment is owned by chef Henrique Fogaça, widely recognized as a judge on Brazil’s MasterChef. Ms. Bezerra had been a dedicated member of the restaurant’s team for approximately three years. Despite the swift response of emergency services, she succumbed to injuries sustained while trapped under the rubble. Firefighters described the rescue operation as challenging due to the extensive debris, but fortunately, five other individuals were rescued alive.
Currently, the restaurant remains sealed off as authorities conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the structural failure.
Friends and colleagues of Ms. Bezerra expressed their grief on social media, sharing heartfelt messages: “With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Sunia. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her. Her radiant smile will forever remain in our hearts.”
Originally from Monteiro in Paraíba, Sunia had previously run a birthday cake business before relocating to São Paulo to support her only son’s medical studies. Her brother, who also works at Jamile, was fortunately not present during the collapse.
Situated in the Bixiga district, an area famed for its Italian culinary heritage due to a large immigrant community, Jamile spans three floors. Following the tragedy, Chef Fogaça released a statement expressing his sorrow and solidarity: “My thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time. Our priority is to ensure everyone affected receives the care and support they need.” Although currently abroad, Fogaça remains in close contact with the restaurant’s management and is actively involved in cooperating with authorities to uncover the incident’s cause.
Initial speculation suggested a gas leak might have triggered the collapse; however, this theory has since been dismissed. The local gas supplier, Comgs, had proactively shut off the gas supply as a safety measure after the event. In a subsequent statement, the company clarified, “There is no evidence linking the gas system to the collapse. We deeply regret the incident and are fully committed to assisting investigators and our customers throughout this process.”
0 Comments