The eldest son of French President Nicolas Sarkozy had a 'miraculous escape' from a mudslide in Brazil which killed dozens of people.
Pierre Sarkozy, 24, was enjoying New Year celebrations on the Isle of Pigs, off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, on Friday morning when disaster struck.
Thousands of tons of mud, trees and debris loosened by driving rain collapsed on top of three private houses and a luxury hotel full of revellers, killing at least 64 people.
But, as the 300-yard-long torrent cascaded past, the home where Pierre was at a party with some childhood friends remained unscathed.
'They could see the mudslide from their windows and hear the terrifying noises, but had a miraculous escape,' said a diplomatic source in Paris.
'They stayed put and the emergency services were able to get to them once everything had calmed down. It was a terrifying experience.'
Pierre, a rap music producer, was staying in the home of Ivo Pitanguy, a leading plastic surgeon whose client list includes French First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy.
She has just returned from a holiday in Morocco with Mr Sarkozy, who spoke to Pierre in an emotional phone call soon after the mudslide.
'Like any father, the President was hugely worried about his son, so he was delighted to hear Pierre was safe and well,' said the source.
Worst hit on the Isle of Pigs, which is private and owned by multi millionaire Dr Pitanguy, was the Pousada Sankay resort, where dozens of tourists had rented villas. Officials said that two children were among the victims there.
Tragedy: The 300-yard-long torrent claimed at least 64 lives
The hotel, which can accommodate 50 guests, was full. Mudslides in another area near to Rio de Janeiro claimed at least 30 victims.
Pierre and his brother Jean, 23, are Mr Sarkozy's sons from his first marriage to Marie-Dominique Culioli.
Pierre, who uses the stage name 'Mosey', is a well-known playboy in Paris and on the Riviera. He intends to return to France within the next week.
President: Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy had just returned from a holiday in Morocco when they heard the news
0 comments:
Post a Comment