MANAUS, BRAZIL- A crane collapse during the installation of the 2025 Christmas tree at Largo São Sebastião, in downtown Manaus, left one worker — identified as Antônio Paulo Rodrigues de Souza, 40 — dead and another injured on Sunday morning (23).

Footage recorded at the moment of the accident shows the crane tipping over and the tree structure falling while a worker was on the boom of the equipment.

The victims were employed by a company contracted by the Amazonas State Secretariat of Culture to install the Christmas decorations at Largo São Sebastião, across from the Amazonas Theater. The crane toppled at around 10 a.m. (local time).

Antônio Paulo Rodrigues de Souza died from his injuries, while Henes Libório Ramos, 47, suffered a leg fracture and remains hospitalized.

According to the autopsy report from the Medical Legal Institute (IML), Antônio Paulo sustained cerebral edema, cranial hemorrhage, and head trauma caused by the fall from height during the collapse.

The crane operator, identified as Antônio Benjamin — who jumped from the cab to save himself — was on medical leave from the National Institute of Social Security (INSS). Police reported that Benjamin was receiving disability benefits and was prohibited from working. He was arrested shortly after the incident.

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