RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - A fire swept through the training centre of Rio de Janeiro soccer club Flamengo on Friday, killing 10 people, including members of the club’s youth side, firefighters and news reports said. At least three youths aged 14 and 15 were injured in the blaze. All three were taken to hospital, one of them reportedly in a serious condition. The fire broke out in the early hours of the morning at the Ninho do Urubu, a state-of-the-art training centre that was expanded and opened only two months ago.Like many clubs who sign youngsters from across the country, the facility has accommodation for teenagers, although it was unclear exactly how many players were among the dead. Flamengo, the alma mater of players such as Zico, JuniorandLeonardo, is one of the best-supported clubs in Braziland is famous around the world. Known by fans as the Red-and-Black, they won the Copa Libertadores, South America’s version of the Champions League, in 1981 and lifted the Intercontinental Cup a few months later.Zico, who is outside Brazil, wrote on Instagram: “What a shock getting this news here on the other side of the world,” the former Brazil midfielder wrote. “May the Red-and-Black nation have strength and faith to get through this moment.”Flamengo made no official statement other than to tweet that it was in mourning. But rival teams across Brazil, including fellow Rio sides Botafogo, Fluminense and Vasco da Gama, tweeted their solidarity.The tragedy came a day before the side were due to play arch rivals Fluminense at the Maracana stadium. The derby match is now expected to be postponed.One of Flamengo’s most high-profile fans, the country’s vice-president, also expressed his condolences.“As a fan and sportsman I stand in solidarity with the families, the club and the Red-and-Black nation,” General Hamilton Mourao wrote on twitter. “May God comfort all.”
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