A sudden fire inside the health and science pavilion at the COP30 venue in Belem, Brazil, on November 20 triggered panic and forced thousands to evacuate. Around 20 members of the Indian delegation, including Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, were in the area and were swiftly moved to a safe zone. The incident injured 21 people and briefly disrupted critical climate negotiations.
COP30 Summit in Brazil Halted by Fire; Delegates Rushed to Safety
The fire erupted in the Blue Zone during a high-pressure negotiation phase. Security teams swiftly evacuated vulnerable groups, including the Indian delegation positioned near the affected pavilion. UN Secretary-General António Guterres was also moved out immediately. Brazilian authorities confirmed 19 smoke inhalation cases and two anxiety episodes, with no burn injuries reported. After a detailed inspection, UNFCCC declared the venue safe and reopened most operations at 8:40 p.m., though country pavilions remain closed.
Key developments — Including Indian delegation’s safe evacuation
- The fire was controlled within six minutes by security teams and firefighters.
- 20 Indian delegates, including Minister Bhupender Yadav, were quickly moved to a safe zone.
- 12 of the 21 injured were discharged; others continue treatment in Belem facilities.
- Blaze spread rapidly through decorative textiles before being contained.
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres was promptly evacuated by UNDSS personnel.
- Venue reopened at 8:40 p.m. after full safety inspections, though country pavilions remained closed.UNDSS confirmed no injuries among UN personnel; orderly evacuation was carried out.
- Temporary shutdown caused concern over completing negotiations before the summit’s final day.
The fire added tension to the summit’s final stretch, intensifying pressure on negotiators. With safety restored and operations resumed, organisers are urging delegates to push forward with renewed focus to ensure COP30 concludes with a strong and cooperative outcome.
