An update about the tragic plane crash in São Paulo, Brazil, has claimed the lives of all 61 people on board.
Eko Hot Blog had earlier reported that the Voepass-operated twin-engine turboprop was en route from Cascavel in Paraná to Guarulhos Airport in São Paulo when it crashed in the town of Vinhedo.
The disturbing footage shared on social media captured the aircraft in a steep, spiralling descent before impact. The plane was carrying 57 passengers and four crew members.
Initially, the airline reported 58 passengers but later corrected the number. Local authorities confirmed that there were no survivors.
The plane came down in a residential area, but miraculously, no one on the ground was injured. Only one home in a condominium complex was damaged.
GloboNews, a Brazilian television network, aired images of a large fire and smoking wreckage amid a neighbourhood of houses. Emergency responders, including police and fire services, were quickly on the scene, and local hospitals were put on alert.
The crash was witnessed by local residents, who described the terrifying moment.
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Felipe Magalhaes told Reuters, “When I heard the sound of the plane falling, I looked out my window at home and saw the moment it crashed.” Nathalie Cicari, speaking to CNN Brasil, recounted hearing a “very loud noise very close by” and seeing the plane spinning uncontrollably.
This tragedy marks Brazil’s deadliest plane crash since 2007 when a TAM Express flight crashed at São Paulo’s Congonhas Airport, killing 199 people.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva paid tribute to the victims during a public event, asking for a minute of silence.
He later expressed his condolences on social media, stating, “Very sad. All my solidarity to the families and friends of the victims.”
In response to the crash, the nearby town of Valinhos sent 20 emergency personnel to assist in the rescue efforts. São Paulo state governor Tarcísio de Freitas also travelled to the scene.
The aircraft’s manufacturer, ATR, confirmed that the crashed plane was an ATR 72-500. In a statement, the company expressed its sorrow and pledged full support for the investigation.
“Our first thoughts are with all the individuals affected by this event,” ATR said.
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