12 people killed as nursing home collapses, trapping residents under rubble: Reports.

A four story nursing home in Belo Horizonte Brazil collapsed early Thursday killing twelve people and trapping several residents under rubble authorities launched a rescue operation while investigators work to determine the cause of the tragedy

In the early hours of Thursday, March 5, a four-story nursing home in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, suffered a catastrophic collapse, resulting in the deaths of twelve people, according to local media reports. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Details of the Collapse

The building, identified as Casa de Repouso Pr-Vida, collapsed around 1:30 a.m. local time. Several residents were trapped beneath the debris, prompting a major rescue operation. The Military Fire Department of Minas Gerais confirmed the event via social media, sharing footage of their emergency response. At the time of the collapse, 29 people were present inside the building. Among the twelve fatalities were a 99-year-old woman, a 77-year-old man, and a 96-year-old woman. The last body recovered was that of a 77-year-old woman, located on the morning of Friday, March 6.

Rescue Efforts

Emergency teams successfully rescued eight individuals from the rubble, while nine residents managed to leave the building without assistance. Fire Department Lieutenant Elias Cristvo reported that one victim fell through a ceiling hole caused by a broken slab. Rescue personnel accessed the basement and carefully removed debris in an attempt to save her, but she did not survive her injuries.

Building Usage and Conditions

The collapsed structure also contained a gym and a tanning salon. The property owner resided on the second floor. Authorities confirmed that there was no rainfall at the time, and the area has no record of previous structural failures, according to Elcione Menezes Alves, Undersecretary of Civil Protection and Defense of Belo Horizonte.

Investigation Underway

A criminal investigation is in progress to identify the cause of the collapse. There are indications that nearby construction activities might have contributed to the structural failure. Local Civil Police Detective Felipe Ribeiro outlined the main priorities as monitoring ongoing search and rescue operations, providing support to the victims' families, and conducting a detailed criminal inquiry.

Summary of Victims and Survivors

• 12 confirmed deaths
• 8 rescued by emergency personnel
• 9 evacuated independently

The incident has deeply affected the local community and drawn attention nationwide. Rescue teams continue to aid survivors and secure the site while investigators collect evidence to determine the collapse’s cause. Authorities have urged people to maintain caution near the area, and additional support is being extended to the families impacted by the disaster.

Sources:

• People.com: 12 Dead After Nursing Home Collapses, Trapping Residents Under Rubble: Reports
• Xinhua: Death toll from Brazil's nursing home collapse rises to 12
• IOL.co.za: PICS | 12 killed in Brazil elderly people's home collapse
• 12 Dead After Nursing Home Collapses, Trapping Residents Under Rubble: Reports