A tragic plane crash in Vinhedo, São Paulo, Brazil, on Friday, August 9, 2024, has resulted in the death of all 61 people on board, marking the country’s deadliest aviation disaster since 2007. The Voepass ATR-72 aircraft, carrying 57 passengers and 4 crew members, was en route from Cascavel to Guarulhos Airport when it crashed into a residential area.According to Flightradar24 data, the plane began losing altitude rapidly about 1.5 minutes before the crash, dropping 600 meters in just 8 seconds. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft spiraling out of control before it crashed. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva confirmed the tragedy, stating, ‘It seems that all passengers died,’ and called for a minute of silence in honor of the victims.The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Eduardo Busch, CEO of Voepass, stated that the plane was fully operational at takeoff but did not rule out the possibility of ice forming on the wings. The Brazilian Air Force has recovered the flight data recorder, which will be crucial for determining the cause of the accident.Rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the crash site, but unfortunately, no survivors were found. The nearby town of Valinhos sent 20 emergency personnel to assist with the rescue efforts. Remarkably, despite crashing in a residential area, there were no reported casualties on the ground.This tragic event has deeply affected the nation, with President Lula da Silva declaring a three-day national mourning period. The Governor of São Paulo has promised support to the families of the victims. Voepass airline has expressed deep regret and emphasized its commitment to assisting the victims’ families while cooperating with authorities to determine the cause of the crash.
Key points
- A Voepass ATR-72 plane crashed in Vinhedo, São Paulo, killing all 61 people on board.
- The plane lost altitude rapidly before crashing, dropping 600 meters in 8 seconds.
- The cause of the crash is under investigation, with initial reports suggesting possible icing on the wings.
- This is Brazil’s deadliest aviation accident since 2007.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported number of passengers, with some sources citing 62 people on board, while others report 61.
The most recent and consistent reports indicate 61 people were on board.
