By Natalia Rueda 
A disastrous accident that occurred on August 17th, during a fire show at the renowned Bogotá restaurant ‘Andrés Carne de Res’, has prompted a wave of criticism against the restaurant for violating worker safety regulations. The incident involved dancer Laura Daniela Villamil who suffered extensive burns, leaving her in a critical condition.
Mi solidaridad con Laura Daniela Villamil y los empleados de 'Andrés Carne de Res'.
— Mariana Céspedes (@Cespmar) August 22, 2024
Es lamentable las condiciones laborales que denuncian y este desafortunado accidente.
pic.twitter.com/is3GvbQwHg
Accusations of Neglect
Witnesses who observed the incident have alleged that the restaurant did not have adequate safety protocols in place. According to some testimonies, the restaurant was overcrowded and lacked properly trained personnel to act in these situations, in the video it is clearly seen how none of the restaurant staff is able to help Laura. These claims have fueled calls from the public and from Villamil’s relative, Santiago Villamil, for the mayor’s office of Chia to close the restaurant.
“They denied us food, water, we were denied the right to sit down after standing for 12 hours, they forced us to work in the middle of an uprising or to do a normal shift when a coworker had died. And well, the psychological abuse and sexual harassment of every day…” Julian, a former worker of the restaurant expressed through his social networks.
Y funaron Andrés Carne de Res. Nos negaban comida, agua, sentarnos después de estar 12 horas de pie, nos obligaban a laborar en medio de un levantamiento ☠️ o hacer un turno normal cuando había fallecido un compañero. Y bueno, el abuso psicológico y acoso sexual de cada día…
— 𝕵𝖚𝖑𝖎𝖆́𝖓 (@___julianhm) August 22, 2024
Condition of the Injured Artist
Santiago Villamil shared that his sister, Laura, sustained severe injuries during the accident and is currently in critical condition. She suffered second and third degree burns covering 80% of her body. She was initially taken to a nearby hospital but later transferred to a hospital in Bogota for specialized treatment. Laura has undergone multiple surgeries to address her injuries.
Legal Recourses & Investigation
Following the incident, local authorities have issued strong statements expressing concern about workplace hazards. Many workers and former workers have expressed through social media the poor working conditions they experienced at the restaurant.
The incident has also sparked discussions about labor exploitation at this site and the demand for labor reforms. Many artists and supporters have come out in solidarity with Laura Daniela Villamil. Despite the controversy, pressure is mounting for the authorities and the parties involved to explain and take responsibility for the incident.