Bodybuilder Dies In House Fire While Trying to Save Pet Dog after Rescuing Wife and Daughter
Posted on
August 14,2023
Personal trainer Hugo Sergio, 30, rushed to rescue his wife and daughter before he realised he couldn't escape himself as flames engulfed the apartment in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
He led his wife, daughter and even their dog to safety as a blaze tore through their home in the early hours of July 29.
But he then found himself trapped in the 10th-storey flat with no way out.
Now brave Hugo's tragic last moments have emerged on video footage as he is barricaded by smoke and flames.
The chilling clip shows him on the apartment's balcony as the fierce fire erupts behind him.
Hugo can be seen desperately boosting himself up on the railing as if considering risking the 150-foot drop to the ground.
But a moment later he makes a dash back into the wall of flames behind him and disappears from sight as the footage ends.
A neighbour told local media he had seen Hugo shouting for help and apparently steeling himself to jump from the apartment block.
He said: "My wife and I were sleeping. I heard a lot of screaming, glass breaking and when I saw through the window, the residents were on the balcony and the apartment was on fire.
"Hugo was on the balcony and made as if he were going to throw himself from the 10th floor to escape the intense heat.
"The residents shouted asking him to stay calm and not throw himself. At that point, I went down to try to help in some way."
Hugo's wife Larissa and daughter Maya were rushed to hospital.
Larissa has since been discharged but Maya is being treated for burns to 70 per cent of her body and is said to be "critical".
Police are investigating the blaze and believe a short circuit in a TV could have caused it.
Hugo was laid to rest at Inhauma Cemetery at the end of July.
Family and friends who attended his funeral hailed him as a hero, local media report.
Hugo was studying physical education and also worked as a personal trainer at a gym in the city.
One of his students, Jean Tavares, wrote online: "Hugo was the best coach I ever had, I am very grateful. May God comfort the hearts of his family."
On social media, Hugo posted regular snaps of his toned body, training routine, and his love for his family.
The investigation continues.
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