Explosion in São Paulo fuels public anger over Sabesp privatization plan

A gas-pipeline accident in São Paulo’s western Jaguaré neighbourhood resulted in a powerful explosion that destroyed a modest blue house, killing two occupants. The blast also rendered a dozen nearby structures uninhabitable, prompting authorities to relocate around 160 residents to avoid further risk of collapse. The tragedy has sparked renewed protests against Governor Tarcisio de Freitas, who recently approved the sale of 30% of Sabesp, the state’s water and sewage company, as part of his re-election campaign.

Critics argue that the privatization has degraded service quality and contributed to safety lapses. The incident underscores growing public concern over the governor’s infrastructure policies ahead of the upcoming elections.