Fire hits Centro Comercial de Passagem in João Pessoa

A fire broke out at the Centro Comercial de Passagem in João Pessoa on Thursday afternoon. The blaze, which reportedly originated in a mobile phone shop, was brought under control by firefighters by approximately 6:15 p.m.

While no serious injuries were reported, four individuals required medical attention for smoke inhalation. The fire damaged several units within the 97-box commercial center; officials estimate that approximately 3% of the establishment was affected, with four boxes suffering total loss and another four impacted by heat.

Marmuthe Cavalcanti, the municipal Secretary of Urban Development, stated that authorities are not ruling out arson as a possible cause. Investigators are reviewing camera footage and awaiting a formal report from the Fire Department to determine if the incident was accidental or intentional. Civil Defense and infrastructure engineers are currently evaluating the structural safety of the building.