In a tragic incident on Friday, a passenger plane carrying 61 people crashed into a residential area in the city of Vinhedo, located in Brazil’s Sao Paulo state.
The crash resulted in the deaths of everyone on board, leaving behind a scene of devastation and mourning.
The aircraft, an ATR 72-500 twin-engine turboprop operated by VOEPASS, was en route to São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport when it went down, according to the airline.
“The company regrets to inform that all 61 people on board flight 2283 died at the site,” VOEPASS said in a statement. “At this time, VOEPASS is prioritizing provision of unrestricted assistance to the victims’ families and effectively collaborating with authorities to determine the causes of the accident.”
The crash occurred in a gated residential community in Vinhedo, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) northwest of São Paulo. While the extent of the destruction was significant, witnesses at the scene reported that no residents in the area were harmed.
Officials have yet to release information regarding casualties or damage on the ground, but the focus remains on the loss of those aboard the flight.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief across the country.
During an event in southern Brazil, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva addressed the nation, requesting a minute of silence to honor the victims.
“This is a devastating loss,” he said, expressing deep sorrow on behalf of the nation.
Authorities are now working to investigate the cause of the crash as the country mourns the lives lost in this horrific incident.
