Ten people have died in a fire at the youth team training ground of Brazilian football club Flamengo in Rio de Janeiro.
The blaze engulfed a dormitory where players were sleeping early this morning, according to CNN, citing information from the state-run Agencia Brazil.
Members of the youth side are believed to be among the dead. Fire officials said a further three teenagers, aged 14, 15 and 16, had been taken to hospital with injuries, The Independent reports.
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The BBC says that the fire at the “Urubu’s Nest” complex began at around 5.10am local time (7.10am GMT) and was extinguished by 7.30am. No information has been given about the possible cause of the blaze.
‘Pray for everyone’
Flamengo are one of the biggest football clubs in Brazil, producing a number of world-class players who have gone on to sign for European teams.
One such player is Vinicius Junior, now with Real Madrid. After hearing about the fire, the 18-year-old tweeted: “Such sad news. Pray for everyone. Strength, strength, strength.”
A statement from his Spanish club said: “Real Madrid CF is saddened to learn of the death of players and staff at Flamengo following a fire at their training facility.
“The club would like to extend its condolences to the families and friends of the victims, and wishes the injured parties a swift recovery. Real Madrid stands in solidarity with Flamengo, their fans, and Brazilian football as a whole.”
Rival support
A number of Flamengo’s biggest rivals from the Brazilian top-flight have also sent messages of support.
Botafogo FR tweeted: “Today there is no rivalry, no dispute, no victory. We are all defeated and the pain is too great. Force to the @Flamengo victims and all the families of the people involved in the Buzzard’s Nest tragedy.”
Corinthians said: “We’re in shock with the tragic fire in the Urubu nest. In this moment of pain and mourning, we externate all our solidarity with the @Flamengo supporters and the relatives and friends of the victims. #ForçaFlamengo.”
Santos Futebol Clube added: “All our solidarity with @Flamengo and to the victims of this morning’s serious accident.”
