At least 62 lives were lost in a tragic plane crash in Brazil’s São Paulo state, confirming the deaths of all individuals on board. Recovery teams have been tirelessly searching the crash site in Vinhedo throughout the night.
The aircraft, operated by Voepass, was an ATR 72-500 that was en route from Cascavel in Paraná to Guarulhos airport in São Paulo city. Initially reported to be carrying 57 passengers and four crew members, Voepass later revealed an additional unaccounted passenger, bringing the total to 62.
Disturbing footage showed the aircraft spiraling uncontrollably before crashing in a residential area, fortunately sparing those on the ground, with only minimal damage reported to a nearby home.
Capt. Maycon Cristo of the fire department, aiding in recovery efforts, confirmed two bodies have been identified using personal effects and body placement relative to seating. The deceased are being transferred to a police morgue in São Paulo for further examination.
The crash is recognized as Brazil’s worst aviation tragedy since the 2007 TAM Express incident, which resulted in 199 fatalities. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash, with flight recorders successfully retrieved for analysis.
Authorities have confirmed that the ATR 72-500 was constructed in 2010 and held valid airworthiness certifications prior to takeoff.
Among those aboard were two trainee doctors from a local hospital, amplifying the magnitude of this tragedy within the community. Witnesses described the harrowing moment when the plane fell, with one resident recounting the moment it exploded in his backyard, initially mistaking the noise for a helicopter failure.
Another local resident, Nathalie Cicari, recalled witnessing the aircraft in distress while enjoying lunch, noting the unusual sound and motion that indicated something was amiss.
In the wake of this disaster, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva extended condolences to the victims’ families during a public event and called for a moment of silence in honor of those lost. Governor Tarcísio Gomes de Freitas declared three days of mourning across São Paulo in recognition of this tragic event.
