A devastating plane crash in Brazil’s Sao Paulo state on Friday claimed the lives of all 62 people aboard, including 58 passengers and four crew members.
The French-made ATR 72-500 aircraft, operated by the airline Voepass, was en route from Cascavel in southern Paraná state to Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport when it tragically crashed in the city of Vinhedo.
Eyewitnesses described the horrifying moment as the plane nosedived at high speed, with images from local media showing a large column of smoke rising from the crash site, which appeared to be in a residential area. Nathalie Cicari, a local resident, recounted the “terrifying” experience, describing how the plane’s abnormal movements and the subsequent impact filled her home with black smoke.
Rescue efforts were swiftly launched, involving teams of firefighters, military police, and state civil defense personnel. Despite their efforts, the city government of Valinhos, which participated in the operation, confirmed that there were no survivors.
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President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, speaking at an event in Santa Catarina state, expressed his sorrow over the tragedy, acknowledging the loss of all those onboard.
Voepass, the airline operating the flight, released a statement acknowledging the accident but noted that the cause of the crash remains unclear. The aircraft, which first flew in April 2010, had been in service for over a decade.
The city of Vinhedo, home to about 76,000 residents and located approximately 80 kilometers northwest of Sao Paulo, is now grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event. The loss has sent shockwaves throughout Brazil, with many mourning the lives lost in what has become a heartbreaking disaster.
