Video: men open manhole hours before woman falls at Maracanã

A 33-year-old woman fell into a manhole on Rua Oto de Alencar in Maracanã, in the North zone of Rio de Janeiro, on Sunday morning (31). A video obtained by CNN Brasil showed the moment when two men opened the place and left the lid out of place. According to City Hall, the manhole was opened after an "attempted cable theft".

See the duo messing around in a manhole hours before the fall:

https://admin.cnnbrasil.com.br/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2026/06/WhatsApp-Video-2026-06-02-at-07.38.27.mp4

The accident happened on Rua Oto de Alencar, where the victim, identified as Fabiana Rosa, received first aid. According to the Military Police, teams were called to respond to the incident, but when they arrived at the scene, the victim had already been rescued by the Fire Department and taken to hospital.

The woman was taken to the Federal Hospital of Andaraí with medium-severity injuries, where she received medical attention and was released.

A second video also obtained by CNN Brasil shows the woman walking alone on the sidewalk, when she steps on the manhole cover, which overturns. The woman fell and became trapped in the pipe, until she was rescued. Watch:

https://admin.cnnbrasil.com.br/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2026/06/WhatsApp-Video-2026-06-01-at-14.07.14.mp4

Investigations
The Civil Police reported that there was no record at the police station in the region. However, upon becoming aware of the incident, the 18th DP (Praça da Bandeira) began measures to investigate the case.

In a statement, Rio de Janeiro City Hall reported that the manhole is the responsibility of a private company and that it was opened after an attempt to steal cables. Read in full:

"Rio City Hall, through the Conservation Secretariat, clarifies that the manhole in which a woman suffered an accident on Rua Oto de Alencar, in the Maracanã neighborhood, is the private responsibility of the telecommunications company V-tal. The manhole was opened after an attempt to steal cables. The company responsible has already carried out the necessary maintenance to prevent further accidents and theft.

It is worth mentioning that, in 2024 alone, more than 5 thousand iron grilles were stolen from public furniture, generating losses of almost R$2 million. This year, so far, the Conservation Department has already invested almost R$500,000 in replacing city hall grates and manhole covers throughout the city. To prevent the theft of manhole covers and grates, the Conservation Department will hold a tender for the acquisition of articulated polyethylene grates. The estimated value is more than R$4.1 million. The use of this material will be standardized in all municipal sewers. Furthermore, a bill in the City Council will also regulate the use of this type of material for all dealerships.

'We are experiencing an escalation of losses and depredation of public property, due to theft and vandalism. In addition to the financial loss, a manhole without a cover represents a risk to the population. Tests have shown that polyethylene is a strong and reliable material. It is also necessary to have tougher and more punitive legislation for those who commit crimes against public property. Rio's citizens' money cannot go down the drain and people cannot be exposed to this type of risk," said Secretary Diego Vaz."

CNN Brasil contacted V-tal and is awaiting a response. The space is open.

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Source: CNN