Fire At COP30 Venue Forces Evacuation As Delegates Flee Amid Sirens And Smoke | World News

Delegates fled the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, when sirens blared after a fire broke out on Thursday and meetings were briefly halted. A fire broke out in one of the event pavilions, causing heavy smoke to spread into parts of the convention center and prompting the immediate evacuation of thousands of people. Emergency teams arrived at the scene and took the situation under control.

According to authorities, the incident occurred around 14:00 local time, when a fire was seen rapidly spreading through the fabric covering of an exhibition pavilion. After smoke alarms went off at the scene, security immediately cordoned off the area and evacuated those present.

Officials said the fire was extinguished within minutes and was likely caused by electrical equipment, possibly a faulty microwave.

According to the information received, 13 people affected by the smoke were treated, although there were no signs of serious injury.

More than 50,000 diplomats, journalists and climate activists gathered in Belém for the summit, where nearly 200 countries negotiated new commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The fire briefly delayed discussions at a critical stage.

The venue had already come under criticism for problems such as the main hall being flooded due to heavy rain, the air conditioning system being strained against heat and humidity, and delegates complaining about insufficient food stocks.

Despite the disruption, summit organizers said the event will go on as planned once all security checks are completed.

(via ANI Inputs)