SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL – MAY 30, 2025 Passengers at the São Bento subway station in downtown São Paulo witnessed a terrifying incident. A 74-year-old man drank a flammable liquid, poured it over himself, and set himself on fire. Some bystanders ran away, while others filmed the man in flames on video.
Metro security agents immediately went for fire extinguishers to put him out, which they managed to do before the firefighters arrived. The man was transported to a hospital, where he unfortunately died from his injuries.
According to witnesses, the man was homeless. His motive remains unclear. Police are working with the theory of suicide, but there is also speculation about a protest act or a mental breakdown.
If you’re thinking about suicide, please stop and recognize that your pain is not permanent, but this step would be. It may feel like there’s no other way, but there is hope, even if it’s hard to see right now. Your feelings are temporary, and with help, they can pass.
Talking about what you're going through might feel difficult, but it’s the first step toward healing. Don’t turn away from the people who want to support you. Life can offer more than what you're feeling right now, and the pain doesn't have to last forever. You deserve help, and it’s available.
If you need immediate help, please contact a helpline.
