Petro orders closure of Andrés Carne de Res after tragic accident

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President Gustavo Petro has ordered the indefinite closure of Andrés Carne de Res, one of Colombia’s most famous restaurants, following a tragic accident that left a performer severely injured. The restaurant, located in the municipality of Chía, about an hour north of Bogotá, was forced to close “until further notice” after a 28-year-old entertainer, Laura Villamil, was critically injured in a fire-related accident during a performance on August 17.

Andrés Carne de Res, known for its extravagant atmosphere and energetic performances, has long been a popular destination for both locals and tourists. However, the accident has prompted a wide-ranging government investigation into the restaurant’s safety practices, and the Ministry of Labor, headed by Gloria Inés Ramírez, issued a temporary closure order amid growing scrutiny over the treatment of workers and adherence to safety protocols.

In an official statement on social media, President Petro confirmed the government’s decision. “My government has decided to close Andrés Carne de Res for its irresponsibility in the dignified treatment of its workers,” Petro wrote, referring to what officials allege is a pattern of inadequate safety measures and labor protections at the renowned establishment.

The Incident

On the night of August 17, Laura Villamil, a performer at the restaurant, was entertaining guests in a circus-style act when a spark ignited her straw costume. Villamil, who had been manipulating a torch as part of her routine, suffered severe burns on more than 80 percent of her body and was immediately rushed to the hospital. She remains in intensive care, her condition critical.

The accident, which occurred in front of a packed crowd of diners, has shocked the country. Videos of the incident quickly circulated on social media, sparking outrage and raising questions about the restaurant’s safety practices. Villamil, one of many weekend entertainers at Andrés, was reportedly not a full-time employee, a detail that has become a central point in the government’s investigation into labor conditions at the venue.

The Ministry of Labor has cited potential violations of labor and safety regulations as reasons for the closure. Andrés Carne de Res, which has consistently been ranked as a “must-visit” venue in Colombia, is accused of failing to provide proper worker protections, especially for freelancers and part-time performers like Villamil. According to officials, the restaurant’s use of performers in dangerous acts without sufficient safety measures may have contributed to the accident.

After a 20-hour inspection of the restaurant, the Ministry has not yet confirmed whether fire extinguishers or other safety equipment were readily available during the performance. Nor has it been established whether the restaurant was responsible for allowing the use of fire in a confined, dark space where Villamil and others regularly performed.

“The priority for the Ministry of Labor is to ensure compliance with labor regulations,” Minister Ramírez said in a statement. Ramírez, a veteran union leader who has been part of Petro’s government since it came to power over two years ago, added that the Ministry would continue its investigation into Andrés Carne de Res and other businesses that employ freelance or student workers under similar conditions. “We invite all companies, together with the ARL – Administradora de Riesgos Laborales (Occupational Risk Administrator) – to strengthen the necessary safety and labor measures,” Ramírez emphasized.

End of a National Icon?

For many Colombians, Andrés Carne de Res is more than just a restaurant; it is an institution. With its eclectic décor, lively atmosphere, and iconic status as a symbol of Colombian culture, the restaurant has been a favorite among celebrities, politicians, and tourists alike. Its closure has sent shockwaves through the country, where it has long been considered a cultural landmark.

The timing of the closure, coupled with the severity of Villamil’s injuries, has brought new attention to the issue of worker safety in Colombia’s service and entertainment sectors. Many have expressed dismay over the apparent lack of oversight at such a high-profile venue, while others have criticized the government for what they see as an overly punitive response.

Despite the restaurant’s popularity, public reaction to the government’s decision has been divided. Some Colombians have supported the closure, arguing that the incident exposes deeper problems related to worker rights and safety in the country. Others have expressed concern that the closure could result in significant economic fallout, not only for the restaurant but for the town of Chía, where Andrés is a major source of employment and tourism revenue.

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