Around 200 people were trapped at the top of a popular Rio de Janeiro tourist spot during a police operation in the Vidigal favela of the city, according to local media. The trail leading to the top of Morro Dois Irmãos, known for its stunning views over Ipanema Beach, begins east of the neighborhood. Officers from the Public Prosecutor's Office of Bahia and Rio's Polícia Civil were seeking to arrest alleged members of the Comando Vermelho gang believed to be hiding in Vidigal, broadcaster TV Globo reported. As the officers exchanged gunfire with the suspected gang members, the main access route to the trail was blocked, leaving alarmed tourists stranded. Video shared on social media shows the group sitting on the ground as the sun rises, with a police helicopter flying overhead and shooting heard in the distance. Portuguese tourist Matilda Oliveiro recounted her experience of waiting for sunrise with her sister when guides suddenly instructed everyone to sit down amidst the unfolding chaos. Despite the initial fear, she noted, 'They did their job. It's always scary, but it was controlled as much as possible.' After about 30 minutes, the stranded group was able to descend safely. The guides had coordinated with police units prior to the operation, ensuring a response to reassure tourists like Danielly Nobre, who felt the situation was ultimately under control. Despite tensions, all tourists managed to finish the trail, experiencing the adrenaline rush amid the chaos.
Gunfight in Rio's Vidigal Favela Traps Tourists on Popular Hilltop

Gunfight in Rio's Vidigal Favela Traps Tourists on Popular Hilltop
A police operation aimed at a notorious gang led to around 200 tourists being stranded atop Morro Dois Irmãos in Rio de Janeiro, as gunfire erupted during the arrest attempts.
In a dramatic incident in Rio de Janeiro, nearly 200 tourists found themselves trapped at the top of Morro Dois Irmãos due to a police operation targeting members of the Comando Vermelho gang. As the police engaged in a gunfight with the gang, access routes were blocked, leaving tourists alarmed but eventually able to descend after about 30 minutes. Eyewitness accounts detail the chaos and quick actions of the guides amid the situation.


















