Sunrise Hike Turns Into a Tense Situation
About 200 tourists found themselves stuck at the top of Morro Dois Irmãos in Rio de Janeiro during an active police operation in the nearby Vidigal favela. The location is a well known viewpoint that overlooks Ipanema Beach and attracts visitors for sunrise hikes.
Police units entered the area to arrest suspected members of the Comando Vermelho gang. Authorities believed the suspects were hiding inside Vidigal. The operation was carried out by teams linked to the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Bahia and Rio’s Civil Police.
Gunfire Breaks Out Near Tourist Trail
Tension escalated when officers and suspected criminals exchanged gunfire. The main access path to the hiking trail was blocked during the confrontation, leaving tourists unable to leave the area.
A police helicopter was also seen flying over the zone while shots were heard nearby. Videos shared online showed visitors sitting on the ground as they waited for the situation to calm.
Tourists Describe Fear and Uncertainty
A Portuguese visitor, Matilda Oliveiro, said she and her sister were waiting for sunrise when guides suddenly asked the group to sit down. Moments later, gunshots were heard in the distance.
She explained that the situation was frightening but appeared controlled by authorities. She also noted that police presence was visible along the route once movement became possible again.
