In a devastating incident, a plane carrying 61 people crashed into a residential area in Vinhedo, a city in Brazil’s Sao Paulo state, on Friday, resulting in the loss of all lives on board. The tragedy unfolded as the aircraft, operated by the airline VOEPASS, was en route to Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport. Initially, the airline reported 58 passengers and 4 crew members on board, but later confirmed the actual number as 61.
Plane Crash in Brazil
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with no details provided by the airline or authorities at this time. The plane, which had departed from Cascavel in the state of Parana, plummeted into the Capela neighborhood, a district on the outskirts of the city known for its residential developments.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, attending an event in southern Brazil, informed the public of the tragic news, leading the crowd in a minute of silence to honor the victims. The president expressed his condolences, although he did not elaborate on how the information regarding the casualties was obtained.
Dramatic footage obtained by the Associated Press from a bystander shows the wreckage engulfed in flames, with bodies tragically visible among the debris. The video, which has been verified, highlights the severity of the crash, with the plane’s fuselage completely destroyed.
Emergency response teams, including firefighters, military police, and civil defense authorities, swiftly arrived at the scene. The area was cordoned off to manage the situation and prevent onlookers from entering, while journalists awaited further updates from outside the secured zone.
Brazilian television network GloboNews provided aerial footage, revealing the extent of the damage. The images showed smoke billowing from what was left of the plane, which had disintegrated upon impact. Earlier footage also captured the harrowing moment when the plane spiraled downward, losing altitude rapidly before crashing.
The Capela neighborhood, where the tragedy occurred, is home to around 77,000 residents and is located far from the city’s bustling center. The crash has sent shockwaves through the community, with residents and officials alike grappling with the aftermath.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding what led to this catastrophic event. The loss of 61 lives has cast a dark shadow over the nation, prompting widespread mourning and calls for answers.