Violent Rio

A sign at the emergency room entrance warn of limited capacity at the Bonsucesso Hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Jan 21, 2005. The sign reads "Attention, emergency room capacity is limited to overcrowding (risk of death)." Shootouts marked by indiscriminate shooting between rival drug gangs and the police are common in Rio and innocent bystanders have fallen victim to the deadly gunfire. Situated in the working class north side of Rio, and close to two notorious slum complexes, the hospital personelle has earned a reputation as expert on gunshot wounds. The homicide rate of 8,408 in 1994 (about 23 per day) rivals that of declared war zones.(AustralFoto/Douglas Engle)

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A sign at the emergency room entrance warn of limited capacity at the Bonsucesso Hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Jan 21, 2005. The sign reads "Attention, emergency room capacity is limited to overcrowding (risk of death)." Shootouts marked by indiscriminate shooting between rival drug gangs and the police are common in Rio and innocent bystanders have fallen victim to the deadly gunfire. Situated in the working class north side of Rio, and close to two notorious slum complexes, the hospital personelle has earned a reputation as expert on gunshot wounds. The homicide rate of 8,408 in 1994 (about 23 per day) rivals that of declared war zones.(AustralFoto/Douglas Engle)

brazil gang drug war violence medicine health 20050121 gunshot hospital