UFPE fire destroys research Minister pledges rebuilding

Oct 7

TV Pernambuco's Sílvia de Oliveira reports Wednesday night's destruction of UFPE's Recife research building, former cafeteria and home to pharmaceutical, computing, genetics and therapeutic-innovation laboratories. Federal Police investigate; structural-collapse risk restricts forensics and the cause remains unknown. UFPE initially estimates about R$100 million equipment losses. Moacyr Rego describes lost patient samples, years of research and scientific/social harm. Rector Alfredo Gomes does not believe the two earlier smaller campus fires are connected, says he knows of no threats and awaits investigation; he recalls the building's COVID work with 131 municipalities. In the complete ministerial return, Leonardo Barchini describes contact around 19:30 the previous night and promises a larger building, replacement equipment and continuation/extension of students' scholarships despite interruption. These are pledges, with no completed reconstruction or established arson.

A Wednesday-night fire destroys UFPE's former cafeteria research building in Recife, housing pharmaceutical, computing, genetics and therapeutic-innovation laboratories. TV Pernambuco reports losses initially around R$100 million, lost samples and years of research, collapse hazards and a Federal Police inquiry. Moacyr Rego describes scientific/social damage. Rector Alfredo Gomes doubts two earlier smaller campus fires are connected, knows of no threats and awaits investigation. The cause remains unestablished.