A Fire at Training Ground kills 10 Young Brazilian Footballers

Ten young football players were killed and three others were hurt when a fire broke out at a training center of Brazilian football club Flamengo.It is one of Brazil's biggest and most popular clubs, playing their home matches in Rio de Janeiro.

Speaking to reporters late Friday morning, Flamengo President Rodolfo Landim offered his condolences to "everyone" and said the incident was "certainly the biggest tragedy this club has been through in the past 123 years."


"It's a huge sadness, it's not easy," Landim said.
Gen. Hamilton Mourao, Brazil's vice president and one of the club's most high-profile fans, wrote: "As a fan and sportsman I stand in solidarity with the families, the club and the Red-and-Black nation. May God comfort all."

The fire happened shortly after 5 am on Friday at the Urubu's Nest training center in the capital city, with an accommodation block completely destroyed by the blaze.

Players aged between 14 and 17 are understood to have been sleeping in the dormitory.

Former players at the club include Brazilian stars Ronaldinho, Bebeto and Romario.