Belém restaurant explosion causes fire and property damage

An explosion and subsequent fire struck the Botecagem do Porco restaurant in the Umarizal neighborhood of Belém on Friday morning. The incident occurred near the intersection of Avenida 14 de Março and Rua Diogo Móia, causing significant damage to the establishment and surrounding properties.

The force of the blast sent debris, glass shards, and other objects across the street, impacting parked vehicles and the facades of neighboring commercial buildings. Security footage captured the moment of the explosion, showing smoke reducing visibility on the avenue and people fleeing the scene in panic.

The Military Fire Brigade of Pará (CBMPA) controlled the flames and reported that at least one victim received medical attention on-site. While the exact number of injuries has not been confirmed, the area was isolated to allow for emergency procedures and the removal of gas cylinders from the rubble.

Preliminary investigations by the fire brigade suggest the cause may have been an environmental explosion resulting from a gas leak. Officials noted that gas may have saturated the confined space, where a small spark or temperature increase triggered the blast. A technical forensic study is underway to confirm the exact cause, with a final report expected within 30 days.