A frightening video shows the moment a giant Christmas tree toppled during a storm, killing one man and injuring two others, just as it was being prepared for the holidays.
The 184-foot-long floating structure, mounted in a lagoon near Rio de Janeiro, plunged into the water yesterday afternoon.
The three injured were workers who had been preparing the tree before its official opening and were trying to get to safety after officials issued a severe weather warning when it collapsed.
Footage of the dramatic moment showed other workers jumping into the water and trying to swim away from the tree before it fell.
Police investigations into the tragedy continued today.
The dead man was named locally as Vinicius dos Santos Abreu, 21.
He was taken to Conde Modesto Leal Hospital in Marica, a municipality in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro, 25 miles from the city of the same name, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The 184-foot-long floating structure was assembled on a lagoon near Rio de Janeiro
Bystanders watched in horror as the structure gave way under the strong winds
Threatening storm clouds could be seen in the sky as strong winds battered the structure
The structure is seen collapsing near a dock in the lagoon as stormy weather hits the area
The two injured men were taken to another hospital where they were said to be “out of danger.”
Bystanders watched in horror as the structure gave way under the strong winds.
In footage of the incident taken from the beach and nearby road, distant figures can be seen around the base of the giant tree.
It then disintegrates into the water, releasing a massive wave as it slams into the water.
The 360,000 lights on the Christmas tree, one of Marica's main tourist attractions, were due to be switched on tomorrow during an official opening ceremony.
City hall bosses said in a statement overnight: “Marica City Hall deeply regrets the tragedy that occurred yesterday afternoon in the Araçatiba Lagoon, when one person died and two were injured after the structure of the Christmas tree that was being erected collapsed .”
“The town hall is providing comprehensive support to the victims and their families and is investigating the causes of the accident.”
“As soon as Civil Defense issued a heavy rain warning at 3.45pm yesterday, the tree installation company began removing workers from the area.”
The tourist attraction was brought to a standstill by the bad weather, resulting in one death
A pile of rubble can be seen after the towering tree collapsed
The force with which the tree hit the water caused a huge splash and wave
“At that moment they were surprised by a storm with strong winds and heavy rain, which caused the structure to collapse within a few seconds.
“The victims were immediately rescued by emergency responders, including firefighters and medical personnel.”
“One of the employees was taken to the Conde Modesto Leal Municipal Hospital, where he was unable to recover from his injuries and was pronounced dead.”
“The other two people treated at the Doctor Ernesto Che Guevara Municipal Hospital are out of danger.”
