Accident in condominium kills 10-year-old child after pergola collapses in Greater BH

A 10-year-old girl died after a wooden pergola collapsed in a leisure area in a condominium in Vespasiano, on Região Metropolitana of Belo Horizonte. The accident occurred on Tuesday afternoon (February 17, 2026), at around 2:30 pm local time, in the Jardim neighborhood of Glória, at Rua São Geraldo. The victim, identified as Lorrayne Rabelo, suffered cardiorespiratory arrest and died at the scene despite immediate care from Corpo and Bombeiros. Outras four children were injured, with one of them suffering trauma to the hip and the others with light abrasions.

Teams from Corpo from Bombeiros Militar from Minas Gerais, from SAMU, including one Unidade from The children, aged between 4 and 10, were left under the rubble of the collapsed structure while playing in the outdoor playground. The victim’s father, truck driver Sérgio Rabelo Leite, reported that his daughter had gone downstairs to play with her 7-year-old brother and friends in the building when the structure collapsed.

Polícia Civil attended the scene to carry out an examination and collect evidence. The investigations seek to determine the causes of the collapse, including possible failures in the maintenance of the wooden structure. The condominium immediately isolated the area and reported that it cooperates with the authorities.

Details of victim assistance

Firefighters removed the children from the rubble and provided first aid. Lorrayne Rabelo was found already in cardiorespiratory arrest and could not resist. Duas girls were referred to the UPA of Vespasiano for medical evaluation.

One of the children suffered trauma to the pelvis and required more detailed care. The other three only had minor injuries, such as abrasions and superficial cuts.

The victim’s brother, Paulo Rabelo, aged 7, was among those injured and was discharged from hospital the day after the accident.

Reactions from the family and the condominium

The girl’s father described the moment he arrived at the scene and found his daughter already lifeless, with the structure fallen on top of her. Ele mentioned that the piece broke the child’s ribs.

The Ville Vitória condominium issued a statement regretting what happened and expressing solidarity with the family. The administration highlighted that the area was isolated and that all information is being provided to the authorities to assist in investigations.

The victim’s sister highlighted the girl’s characteristics, such as her caring and helpful manner, in statements to the press.

Investigation underway

Polícia Civil opened an investigation to determine who was responsible for the collapse. Laudos experts will be essential to clarify whether there was a structural failure, lack of maintenance or other contributing factor.

Images from the scene show that one of the bases of the pergola broke, causing the structure to collapse on the children.

Technical teams analyze the material used and the history of inspections at the condominium playground.

Wake and burial

The body of Lorrayne Rabelo was laid to rest at Cemitério Parque of Ressurreição, in Vespasiano, from 1pm on Wednesday (February 18). The burial took place on the same day, amid great commotion from family and friends.

The local community is following the case closely, awaiting the results of the investigation to understand the full circumstances of the accident.

Preventive measures in condominiums

Accidents involving playground structures highlight the need for regular inspections of common areas in condominiums. Engenheiros recommend periodic checks on wooden elements exposed to the elements.

Trustees and administrators must prioritize technical reports to ensure the safety of children and residents.

Similar cases reinforce the importance of preventive maintenance to avoid serious incidents in leisure spaces.

The accident quickly mobilized rescue teams and resulted in the death of a 10-year-old child, with four others injured to varying degrees. The authorities continue forensic work in the Vespasiano condominium to clarify all aspects of what happened and define responsibilities.