A devastating plane crash in São Paulo, Brazil, claimed the lives of all 61 people aboard, including 57 passengers and four crew members. Eyewitnesses have recounted the shocking moments as the aircraft plummeted and spiraled before crashing into a residential area, leaving behind flaming wreckage.
Videos circulating on social media capture the plane’s sudden and alarming descent. The ATR 72-500 aircraft appeared to drop almost vertically, spinning uncontrollably before hitting the ground. The exact cause of the crash remains unclear, and VoePass Airlines has stated that investigations are ongoing. According to FlightRadar24, the last recorded altitude of the plane was 4,100 feet as it approached São Paulo.
Martins Barbosa, a truck driver who was working nearby, expressed his fear that the plane might have crashed into his home, where his son was inside. “I thought it might have fallen on my house, with my son inside,” Barbosa told AFP. He felt a wave of relief when he confirmed his family’s safety.
Nathalie Cicari, a local resident, described the crash as “terrifying.” She was having lunch when she heard a deafening noise. “It sounded like a drone but much louder,” she told CNN Brasil. Stepping out onto her balcony, she saw the plane spinning and immediately realized something was wrong. Although she was unharmed, she had to evacuate her home due to the thick black smoke.
Ricardo Rodrigues, another witness, reported seeing numerous bodies on the ground upon arriving at the crash site, as covered by Band News.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. VoePass, one of Brazil’s longstanding airlines, has pledged full cooperation with the authorities to determine the circumstances of the accident. The plane’s black box has been recovered, which will be crucial in the investigation.
The ATR 72, produced by Airbus and Leonardo SpA, is generally considered safe, but this tragic event represents one of the deadliest aviation disasters of the year. Recovery operations are ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying the victims’ remains. VoePass initially reported 62 people on board but later corrected the number to 61.
Also Read: Sixty One KILLED In A Plane Crash In Brazil, Crushed In Pieces
