Christ the Redeemer, Brazil’s most visited monument, reopened to the public on Tuesday after being temporarily closed due to the death of a 54-year-old tourist who suffered a sudden medical emergency and did not receive prompt medical attention.
Closure Ordered After Medical Emergency
On Monday, the Secretariat for Consumer Protection (Procon) ordered the closure of access to the iconic statue following the tourist’s death on the staircase leading to the monument. At the time, no medical personnel or ambulance were available to provide emergency care or transport him to a hospital.
As a precaution, authorities suspended ticket sales for the Corcovado Train, which transports visitors to the site, and blocked access for minibuses that also serve tourists.
Safety Measures Implemented for Reopening
After an inspection of the newly implemented emergency measures, Procon approved the reopening at 8:00 AM local time (11:00 GMT) on Tuesday. Key changes include:
- Extended operating hours for the existing medical station to cover the entire visiting period.
- A dedicated ambulance now available at all times for emergencies.
These upgrades were mandated by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), the government agency overseeing Tijuca National Park, where Christ the Redeemer is located.
Responsibility Disputes Over Tourist Safety
The incident has sparked debate over who is responsible for visitor safety at the monument.
- Corcovado Train Company, which operates the attraction, stated that its medical center only opens at 8:00 AM and that the tourist’s death occurred an hour before.
- The Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro, which owns the monument, argued that visitor care falls under the company’s responsibility but promised to provide an ambulance for religious events at the site.
- ICMBio, linked to the Ministry of the Environment, was accused of failing to properly oversee tourist activities at the monument.
The Archdiocese also highlighted other safety concerns, including the lack of hydration points, accessible restrooms, and fully functional elevators.
A Global Landmark with High Tourist Traffic
Since its inauguration in 1931, Christ the Redeemer has been a major tourist attraction, offering panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro’s famous beaches. The monument receives around 2.5 million visitors annually, making safety and emergency preparedness a priority for its administrators.