Images and videos circulating on social media depict chaotic scenes as hundreds attempted to evacuate Hall B at the Pabexpo Fairgrounds, where a fire incident occurred on Saturday morning.
The emergency evacuation was triggered by an electrical malfunction, prompting attendees to flee during various cultural and commercial activities. As more information emerged about the event, it became clear that the situation was quite serious.
The account Café con Chícharos on X released a video snippet showing smoke filling the venue due to the fire, with visible flames in the footage. The clip also captured the moment when people were taken aback by the incident, trying to extinguish the flames with fire extinguishers, while others sought safety.
Preliminary reports suggest the fire began with a potential short circuit in the electrical system, leading to a complete power outage and smoke in one of the main areas of the venue.
Fortunately, no severe injuries were reported, but scenes of panic were evident, exacerbated by the absence of clear information and trained personnel to manage the evacuation efficiently.
Despite the disruption, organizers of the 26th International Handicrafts Fair (Fiart) have announced that events have resumed at the fairgrounds. In a statement, they mentioned, "We are pleased to inform that activities at Pabexpo Fairgrounds have resumed. The cultural program scheduled for Saturday and Sunday remains unchanged. The public can access Halls A, C, and D. We look forward to seeing you at the final days of our fair."
Understanding the Pabexpo Incident
What caused the evacuation at Pabexpo?
The evacuation was prompted by an electrical malfunction that led to a fire and subsequent smoke in Hall B of the Pabexpo Fairgrounds.
Were there any injuries reported during the incident?
No severe injuries were reported, although there was significant panic among the attendees.
Have the activities at Pabexpo resumed after the incident?
Yes, the organizers have confirmed that activities have resumed, with access granted to Halls A, C, and D.