There was a plane crash in Sao Paulo, Brazil, which resulted in the loss of all 61 people on board, prompting the government to declare three days of national mourning.
The crash occurred on August 9, 2024, when an ATR 72-500 aircraft, operated by Voepass airline, went down in the city of Vinhedo. The plane was en route from Cascavel, in Parana state, to Guarulhos International Airport in Sao Paulo.
The aircraft, which was carrying 57 passengers and four crew members, crashed just before reaching its destination, leaving no survivors. Initial reports from Voepass indicated that there were 58 passengers, but this was later corrected to 57.
Eyewitnesses and local media captured shocking footage of the plane spinning uncontrollably before it plummeted to the ground, followed by a massive column of smoke rising from the crash site in what appeared to be a residential area.
“There were no survivors,” stated the city government in Valinhos, which assisted in the rescue and recovery operations in nearby Vinhedo. The recovery of victims’ remains began immediately and continued throughout the night, as confirmed by Sao Paulo State Governor Tarcisio de Freitas.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed his condolences and declared a three-day period of mourning to honor the victims. Voepass has pledged full cooperation with authorities to determine the cause of the accident and is offering support to the families of the victims.
The Brazilian aviation authority, CENIPA, has launched a formal investigation, while experts from the aircraft manufacturer ATR are also assisting. The plane involved in the crash had been in service since April 2010, and according to Voepass, it took off with all systems fully operational.
Locals near the crash site recounted their terrifying experiences. Truck driver Martins Barbosa, who was working nearby, feared the worst for his family when he heard of the crash, which occurred just 150 meters from his home.
Nathalie Cicari, another nearby resident, described the impact as “terrifying” and had to evacuate her smoke-filled house after witnessing the plane’s final moments.
Emergency services, including firefighters and military police, were quickly on the scene, managing to control the fire caused by the crash. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported on the ground.
The plane’s black box has been recovered and appears to be intact, which may provide crucial information to investigators.
