A tragic plane crash occurred in Vinhedo, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, on Friday, resulting in the deaths of all 61 individuals on board. The ATR 72-500 aircraft, operated by Voepass airline, was en route from Cascavel in southern Parana state to Guarulhos International Airport in Sao Paulo when it went down.
Initially reported to have 58 passengers, Voepass later corrected the number to 57 passengers and four crew members. Images from local media depicted the aircraft spinning uncontrollably before crashing almost vertically, causing a large column of smoke to rise from the site.
Local authorities confirmed that no survivors were found. Sao Paulo State Governor Tarcisio de Freitas indicated that the recovery and identification of victims would continue through the night. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has declared three days of mourning in response to the disaster.
Voepass has pledged full cooperation with the investigation into the crash’s cause. The aircraft was reported to have taken off with all systems operational and no flight restrictions. The Brazilian aviation accident agency, CENIPA, has launched an investigation with assistance from ATR, the aircraft’s manufacturer.
Witnesses described the crash as terrifying, with some residents near the site evacuating due to black smoke from the wreckage. The plane’s black box has been recovered and is expected to aid in the investigation.
The incident adds to Brazil’s aviation accident statistics, with 108 aircraft accidents recorded this year, resulting in 49 deaths. Air safety improvements have been notable globally, but accidents still occur, particularly in developing nations.
