Tragedy Strikes Playground: Pergola Collapse Kills Child

A devastating incident took place on February 17 in Vespasiano, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, where a 10-year-old girl, Lorrayne Rabelo Fernandes, lost her life. She was playing with four other children, aged between four and 10, when a wooden pergola at the Ville Vitoria condominium suddenly collapsed. The heavy structure fell on the youngsters, trapping all five beneath its beams. Emergency crews attempted resuscitation at the scene, but Lorrayne was pronounced dead due to cardiac arrest. Her seven-year-old brother sustained a head wound requiring stitches, and another boy was hospitalized with a pelvic injury and suspected spinal trauma. Two other girls received treatment for minor injuries.

Investigations have been launched to determine the cause of the collapse. Forensic experts were present at the scene, and the Civil Police of Minas Gerais is leading the inquiry. Lorrayne's body was taken to the Institute of Forensic Medicine before being released to her family. She was laid to rest on February 18 at the Parque da Ressurreicao Cemetery in Vespasiano. This playground tragedy occurred months after a similar incident in north-east Brazil where a four-year-old girl was killed by a dressing table.