The Brazilian government opened an investigation into the lack of water at concerts after a young woman died of heat stroke ahead of American singer Taylor Swift’s first concert in Rio de Janeiro.
The Minister of Justice, Flávio Dino, wrote on his social networks that the Consumer Protection Secretariat, which falls under his jurisdiction, will open an “immediate investigation” into the restrictions that prevent visitors to major concerts from bringing their own water bottles, which, in Rio de Janeiro, is part of the security measures for these types of events.
According to the minister, it is “unacceptable that people suffer, faint or even die due to lack of access to water.”
The Consumer Secretariat of the Ministry of Justice will take immediate action today, publishing emergency rules and notices on ACCESS TO WATER at shows and other public events. And it will also take measures regarding the responsibilities for…
– Flavio Dino (@FlavioDino) November 18, 2023
The young woman was identified as Ana Benevides and fainted due to the heat, a friend told O Globo newspaper.
She was taken to a hospital but arrived dead and doctors confirmed she died of cardiac arrest.
On her Instagram account, Taylor Swift confirmed the death, saying she was shocked by what happened and offering her condolences to her follower’s family and friends.
“I can’t believe I’m writing these words, but with a broken heart I have to say that we lost a fan tonight before my concert. I can’t express how devastated I am by this. I have very little information, other than the fact that she was incredibly beautiful and too young,” the singer wrote.
Brazil is experiencing an intense heat wave and Rio de Janeiro recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius on Friday, with a thermal sensation reaching 59 degrees in some parts of the city.
Several concertgoers were treated by Nilton Santos Olympic Stadium medical services for health problems related to the heat.
After the death was confirmed, many of the singer’s fans protested on social media against the ban on bringing bottled water into the stadium where the show was held.
The American artist has two more concerts planned in Rio today and Sunday, as part of her world tour The Eras Tour.
The singer will perform in Portugal on May 24 and 25, at Estádio da Luz, in Lisbon.
Source: DN
