Ceagesp fire destroys 320 merchant boxes in São Paulo

A large-scale fire destroyed at least 320 boxes in the MFE-A pavilion at Ceagesp, a major wholesale market in the Vila Leopoldina district of São Paulo. The blaze, which began on Saturday night, primarily affected businesses specializing in fruit, such as watermelons, as well as restaurants and packaging stores.

While no victims were reported, the Civil Defense has issued a temporary interdiction order due to significant structural damage, including twisted metal frameworks. The Scaf (Wholesale Fruit Trade Union of the State of São Paulo) estimates the loss of goods could involve approximately 80 truckloads of merchandise. Individual merchants reported devastating financial losses, with some estimating stock losses alone at R$ 300,000.

Ceagesp is currently in discussions with a commission of merchants to establish emergency measures and alternative spaces to maintain operations. While the affected pavilion remains isolated for forensic investigation and structural assessment, the broader terminal remains open to minimize disruptions to the city's food supply.