200 tourists stranded on Rio de Janeiro hilltop as gunfire breaks out
Around 200 tourists were stranded at a popular hilltop in Rio de Janeiro after a police operation triggered a gunfight in the Vidigal favela, according to local media reports, as cited by BBC. The incident took place near the trail to Morro Dois Irmãos, known for its views over Ipanema Beach.
Officers from the Public Prosecutor's Office of Bahia and Rio’s Polícia Civil were carrying out an operation to arrest suspected members of the Comando Vermelho gang believed to be hiding in the area.
Tourists stranded during exchange of fire
The main access route to the trail was blocked as police and suspected gang members exchanged fire, leaving tourists unable to descend. Videos on social media showed visitors sitting on the ground at sunrise while a police helicopter hovered overhead and gunshots were heard in the distance.
Portuguese tourist Matilda Oliveiro said, “We had waited for sunrise and, suddenly, the guides asked us to sit down and we started hearing gunshots.” She added, “They did their job. It's always scary, but it was controlled as much as possible. We passed the police on the way, and the situation was already under control.”
Guides coordinate, situation brought under control
Local guides had prior information about the police operation and coordinated with authorities, reports said. Another tourist, Danielly Nobre, said the group was reassured during the incident.
“We were caught by surprise. We were already at the top when we started hearing gunshots, and the guides were already telling us what was happening,” she said, as quoted by BBC.
She added, “In the end, everything worked out. Everyone went down in a single file, everyone helping, and we managed to finish the trail, see the sunrise, and experience that adrenaline rush.”
Tourists descend after brief delay
The group was able to leave the area after about 30 minutes. A police helicopter also urged tourists to remain calm during the operation.
Comando Vermelho is among criminal groups that control parts of the city and enforce strict rules. Such groups have expanded beyond drug trafficking into services including gas supply, cable television, internet and transport.
Officers from the Public Prosecutor's Office of Bahia and Rio’s Polícia Civil were carrying out an operation to arrest suspected members of the Comando Vermelho gang believed to be hiding in the area.
Tourists stranded during exchange of fire
The main access route to the trail was blocked as police and suspected gang members exchanged fire, leaving tourists unable to descend. Videos on social media showed visitors sitting on the ground at sunrise while a police helicopter hovered overhead and gunshots were heard in the distance.
Portuguese tourist Matilda Oliveiro said, “We had waited for sunrise and, suddenly, the guides asked us to sit down and we started hearing gunshots.” She added, “They did their job. It's always scary, but it was controlled as much as possible. We passed the police on the way, and the situation was already under control.”
Guides coordinate, situation brought under control
Local guides had prior information about the police operation and coordinated with authorities, reports said. Another tourist, Danielly Nobre, said the group was reassured during the incident.
“We were caught by surprise. We were already at the top when we started hearing gunshots, and the guides were already telling us what was happening,” she said, as quoted by BBC.
She added, “In the end, everything worked out. Everyone went down in a single file, everyone helping, and we managed to finish the trail, see the sunrise, and experience that adrenaline rush.”
Tourists descend after brief delay
The group was able to leave the area after about 30 minutes. A police helicopter also urged tourists to remain calm during the operation.
Comando Vermelho is among criminal groups that control parts of the city and enforce strict rules. Such groups have expanded beyond drug trafficking into services including gas supply, cable television, internet and transport.
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