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Supermarket worker dies of heart attack, staff hide his body with umbrellas to let customers continue shopping

The photo of the bizarre incident went viral, with online users slamming the store for staying open for business despite the tragedy

After a Brazilian worker dropped dead at a Carrefour Brasil store, his body was left on the floor covered with umbrellas and surrounded by cardboard boxes as the shoppers were allowed to shop around the area. The photo of the bizarre incident went viral on social media recently, causing outrage among people who spoke out against the store for staying open for business despite the tragedy.

The incident in question took place at a store in the northeastern state of Recife on August 14 but the news went viral only this week after social media lit up with criticisms about why the store chose to stay open instead of making sure that the dead body was recovered. According to a statement from Carrefour, the deceased was sales manager Manoel Moisés Cavalcante, 59, who suffered a heart attack while working in the store. Although first aid was administered at the scene, Cavalcante did not survive. 

Here is the photo that went viral on the social media:

In the statement, the store also apologized for handling the incident inappropriately. "Carrefour apologizes for the form (of) inadequate treatment that dealt with the sad and unexpected death of Mr. Moisés Santos, victim of a heart attack, in Recife (PE) store. The company made a mistake by not closing the store immediately after what happened while waiting for the service funeral, as well as did not find the correct way to protect Mr. Moisés' body," the statement said. 

The statement added: "We reinforce that as soon as the sales promoter started to feel sick, we did the first aid and we activated SAMU, following all protocols for carry out the rescue quickly. After passing away, we follow the instruction not to remove the body from the place.''

The store, which is part of one of the largest retail chains in Brazil, said that following the incident, it has changed its guidelines to include the mandatory closure of the store in the future. ''Carrefour also reiterates that it changed the guidelines to employees for rare situations like this — including the mandatory closing of the store, with aim of bringing more sensitivity and respect when driving fatalities. We will continue to contact the family of Mr Moisés to support you in whatever is necessary. We sympathize with them in this difficult time,'' its statement said.

The following are some of the reactions on social media regarding the incident: "When capitalism & a cruel disregard for dignity are one in the same: A worker at a supermarket in Recife, Brazil dies during his shift, so the manager hides his body under patio umbrellas & continues to run the grocery store as normal for hours.''

''Carrefour's units in Brazil have their peculiarities. Another day security guard beat a dog to death, now they are hiding the corpse. Carrefour always innovating."

"That's Brazil. There can be a dead body in the market/store but whatever you do DONT STOP SELLING money is more important.''

"A contracted sales representative died of heart attack in a Carrefour in Brazil, they covered his body with parasols and the supermarket remained opened normally. Which stage of capitalism is this? #Capitalism #carrefour"