Fire at training ground of Flamengo leaves ten dead

Ten youth team players have been killed and three others were injured when a fire started at a training centre of Brazilian football club Flamengo.

The blaze engulfed the dormitory at the Ninho de Urubu training ground where the players were staying.

Club president Rodolfo Landim spoke to the press after the incident and expressed his great sadness.

He said that this was “without a doubt the worst tragedy this club has been through” in its rich 123-year history.

“The most important thing now is for us to try and minimise the pain and suffering of these families.”

One of the youth players at the scene said that the fire started in an air conditioner unit in his room.

Felipe Cardoso, a youth team player for the Flamengo under-17 side said, “The air conditioner caught fire and I ran out,

“Thank god I managed to run and I’m still alive.”

An investigation has been launched to identify what was the true cause of the disaster. Local Brazilian media reported that the site of the accommodation was officially licensed by the state as a car park.

The local media also published the names of all the victims. All of the players were between the ages of 14 and 16:

Arthur Vinicius Silva

Athila Paixao

Bernardo Pisetta

Christian Esmerio

Vitor Isaias

Pablo Henrique

Jorge Eduardo

Samuel Thomas

Gedson Santos

Rykelmo Viana

According to the G1 new portal the fire began at 05:10 (07:10 GMT) and was fully extinguished by 07:30.

Tributes have poured in from many in football including Brazilian great Pele. He tweeted “It’s a very sad day for Brazilian football.”

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar posted on Instagram writing: “My sentiments.”

A memorial mass was held on Friday to pray for those who were injured and lost their lives and the suffering families.