Worker dies in underground water tank at Santos construction site

A 27-year-old construction worker, Bruno Reis dos Santos, died on Tuesday after fainting inside an underground water tank at a construction site in the Vila Mathias neighborhood of Santos, São Paulo. The incident occurred during his first day of work for the company De. sign Construções e Incorporações.

According to witnesses, the worker entered the structure following orders from a foreman and lost consciousness shortly after. Two other workers attempted to rescue him but also fell ill while inside the tank. One worker reported that the air quality seemed to be the cause, suggesting the presence of gas, and noted a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks or oxygen cylinders.

Emergency services (SAMU) confirmed the death at the scene. The two other workers were rescued and taken to Santa Casa de Santos and UPA Central for medical observation. While the exact substance or cause of the fainting remains unconfirmed by the Fire Department, the family and colleagues are calling for answers regarding the safety protocols at the site.