(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) –A fire has gutted the National Museum of Brazil in Rio de Janeiro, the oldest scientific institution in the country.
Most of its collection, including fossils, artworks and documents spanning centuries, is believed to have been destroyed.
Firefighters are working to put out the blaze. No injuries have been reported.
The museum, which once served as the residence for the Portuguese royal family, celebrated its 200th anniversary this year.
The fire started on Sunday evening, after the facility had closed for the day. The cause is not known.
