A tragic plane crash in the Brazilian state of São Paulo has resulted in the deaths of all 61 people aboard. The twin-engine turboprop, an ATR 72-500 operated by Voepass, was en route from Cascavel in Paraná to Guarulhos airport in São Paulo city when it crashed in the town of Vinhedo.
Eyewitnesses described the plane descending in a spiraling motion before it hit the ground, causing extensive damage and a significant fire. Despite the severity of the crash, no one on the ground was injured, though one home in a local condominium complex was reported damaged.
The aircraft, carrying 57 passengers and four crew members, had been in operation since 2010 and was confirmed to be in good condition with valid airworthiness certificates. The flight recorders have been recovered, and the French-Italian manufacturer ATR has pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed condolences to the victims’ families, while São Paulo’s Governor, Tarcísio Gomes de Freitas, declared three days of mourning. This incident marks Brazil’s deadliest aviation disaster since the 2007 TAM Express crash, which claimed 199 lives.
Local residents, including Felipe Magalhaes and Nathalie Cicari, recounted their harrowing experiences witnessing the plane’s final moments. Emergency services from neighboring Valinhos have been deployed to assist in the response.
The crash has prompted a nationwide outpouring of grief and solidarity, with ongoing efforts to determine the cause of the disaster.
