VIDEO | Fire devours monumental statue of the Virgin of Fátima in Brazil: only the head remains

An intense fire almost completely consumed the statue of Our Lady of Fátima in the Pajuçara neighborhood, North Zone of Natal, Brazil. The image, 35 meters high and 8 meter base, was in its final phase of construction and its inauguration was expected in March.

CAUSE AND SPREAD OF THE FIRE

According to the first reports, a short circuit in a welding machine used by two workers would have caused the fire. The spark ignited highly flammable materials such as polystyrene and resin, allowing the flames to spread rapidly.

The Fire Department deployed nearly 20 elements to control the incident and protect the area. Lieutenant Marcelly María highlighted that the combination of polystyrene and fiberglass caused the fire to expand in a matter of minutes.

DAMAGES AND TESTIMONIALS

Videos on social media showed the structure collapsing amid flames as neighbors watched. The Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) confirmed that a worker suffered minor burns to his hands and was treated at the scene.

Only the head and crown survived from the statue, which had not yet been installed. The rest of the structure, built with polystyrene blocks molded with robotic technology, was practically destroyed.

RESEARCH AND RESTORATION

Experts from the Scientific Police will officially investigate the cause of the fire. The project investment reached 15 million reais, including urban improvements such as paving, lighting, accessibility and parking.

The responsible artist, Ranilson Viana, will undertake the restoration of the image without generating additional costs for the city council, and work will resume when structural conditions allow it.

MEANING OF THE VIRGIN OF FATIMA

The Virgin of Fátima is one of the most important Marian devotions of the Catholic Church. His appearances in 1917 in Fátima, Portugal, to three shepherd children gave rise to messages of prayer, penance and conversion that were related to historical events such as World War II.

DEVOTION AND LEGACY

The Sanctuary of Fátima became a center of global pilgrimage, with millions of faithful attending processions and acts of faith, especially on May 13. Popes such as John Paul II and Francis promoted his devotion, highlighting his messages of peace and reconciliation.

Today, the Virgin of Fátima remains a symbol of hope and comfort in times of difficulty, and her monumental statue in Natal, although damaged, will be restored to keep this tradition alive.