A Brazilian family is grieving the loss of their toddler son after he tragically and unexpectedly lost his life outside of a propane gas store in Rio de Janeiro. Arthur Luis Alves do Nascimento, 2, was playing with his friends in the Santa Cruz neighborhood of Rio, when the accident occurred.
The children were sitting on the ground outside the supply shop. As Arthur went to stand up, he braced himself by placing his hand on a lighted sign. When he did, he accidentally touched a bare wire.
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Police are investigating shop owners for manslaughter.
Arthur’s parents rushed him to the hospital, but sadly, it was too late, the Mirror reported. He was declared dead on arrival on November 26, 2024, after suffering eight cardiac arrests, Brazilian news website G1 reported.
Today, police are investigating the shop’s owners for manslaughter. Reportedly, others had warned the shop owners 30 days earlier that the sign was dangerous.
“Everything will be determined after the investigations and the progress of the investigations,” local police chief Odilo Sena said.
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'The company deeply regrets what happened,' the shop said in a statement to the family and community.
The owners of the Ultragas shop issued a message to Arthur’s family and the community following his death. “This is a time of immense pain, and our hearts are with the family and all who have suffered from this irreparable loss,” the statement began. “The company deeply regrets what happened and is collaborating with the investigations and with all the necessary measures to ensure that the case is handled responsibly.”
They claimed to be taking measures to ensure this does not happen again.
The statement continued: “We are deeply saddened by this accident and we stand in solidarity with the parents and relatives of Arthur Luis, offering our full support at this very difficult time. Ultragas reaffirms its commitment to the safety and well-being of all and is taking all measures so that tragedies like this do not happen again. In this time of pain, our priority is the support of the bereaved family, with all respect and consideration.”
'I want justice for my son,' Arthur's mother said.
Arthur, who lived in Demerval Lobão with his parent and 12-year-old brother, was in the area for health checkups, G1 reported. He was staying with his grandmother, who lived next to the shop where the incident occurred.
While the company issued a statement, Arthur’s mother, who saw her son being electrocuted, doesn’t believe they’ve done enough. She called the company but didn’t get a response. The day after Arthur’s death, they were open and operating as usual. “They didn’t help my baby and they’re still working normally, selling gas. I want justice for my son, his brother is in tears,” his mother said.
