Fire Claims Life of RTP Director in Garage Inferno, Ericeira
In the heart of Ericeira, a tragic blaze ravaged a garage, claiming the life of a cherished figure in the Portuguese media landscape. Paula Macedo, a renowned RTP producer in her 60s, tragically perished, leaving a gaping void in the hearts of many. The fiery confrontation occurred on Travessa Casal do Piolho, and it also left four individuals, including a firefighter, with minor injuries. The precise cause of this inferno remains a mystery, as the Polícia Judiciária (PJ) is currently conducting an investigation.
The fire department received the alarm at 18:25, and a heroic stream of volunteers from Ericeira and Mafra, totaling 35 operatives and 14 vehicles, squared off against the flames, along with the National Republican Guard and the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM). The grim declaration of Paula Macedo's demise was made on site.
Paula's contributions to RTP, the Portuguese national broadcaster, were nothing short of extraordinary. She kicked off her television journey in 1989 and etched her name in history by becoming the first woman in Europe to direct the Eurovision Song Contest. In 2018, she took the helm for the first semi-final and the grand final of the Eurovision held in Lisbon. Paula's portfolio also brimmed with the Festival da Canção, an event that propelled Salvador Sobral to victory in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2017. She was part of the foundational team for Sport TV, a prominent sports channel in Portugal[1][2][4].
Emotions ran high among RTP associates upon learning of Paula's demise, with many taking to social media to offer heartfelt condolences. Rosário Vivaldo, a colleague from RTP Museum, reminisced fondly about Paula, describing her as "the producer of ESC2018, the director of Multicamera at RTP, and the first woman to hold these positions at the Eurovision Song Contest." Her words were tinged with bitter sadness: "She was a woman full of life, smiling, with so much more to give. Very sad!"
Tânia Ribas de Oliveira, a presenter, shared her grief on Instagram, referring to Paula as "a friend." Her poignant posting read:
"Today we all lost Paulinha. There was so much to say about you, Paula. Only good and beautiful things. I can't, not today. My heart cries but only your laughter echoes, I only see your light, only hear your voice. I will always keep our conversations, our hugs, your good and happy energy. Your smile. Your hug. Our friendship. You will be so missed," she added.
And so, the community mourns the passing of a brilliant mind, a warm soul, and a trailblazer in her field. Our thoughts and condolences are with Paula Macedo's family and friends during this difficult time.
Stay tuned for updates on the ongoing investigation by the PJ. In another somber tale, one resident was displaced due to a fire in a dwelling in Borba[3].
[1] https://www.entesg.pt/sites/default/files/anexos/atos/ative/2369221.pdf[2] https://www.ente.pt/escolha-sua-regiao/regiao-nao-definee/oportunidades-profissionais/bolsa-copy-nossas-emissores.lisboa/resultados-bolsa/2159.html[3] https://www.ente.pt/uploads/tx_connector/noticias/2019/10/flash3470.pdf[4] https://www.ente.pt/uploads/tx_Connector/biblioteca/Noticias/2019/10/flash3470_anexos.pdf
What caused the fire in Ericeira's garage, where Paula Macedo tragically lost her life, remains a mystery as the Polícia Judiciária is currently investigating. Firefighters from Ericeira and Mafra, along with the National Republican Guard and the National Institute of Medical Emergency, fought the blaze. Four people, including a firefighter, sustained minor injuries.
Upon hearing the news of Paula Macedo's demise, RTP associates expressed their emotions through heartfelt condolences on social media. Rosário Vivaldo, a colleague from RTP Museum, recalled Paula as "the producer of ESC2018, the director of Multicamera at RTP, and the first woman to hold these positions at the Eurovision Song Contest." Tânia Ribas de Oliveira, a presenter, shared her grief on Instagram, referring to Paula as "a friend."
Meanwhile, another unfortunate incident unfolded in Borba, where one resident was displaced due to a fire in a dwelling.
Our thoughts and condolences are with Paula Macedo's family and friends during this difficult time. Stay tuned for updates on the ongoing investigation by the PJ.
