A devastating plane crash outside São Paulo on Friday afternoon resulted in the tragic loss of all 61 individuals on board. The aircraft, identified as an ATR 72-500 twin-engine turboprop plane, plummeted to the ground in a horrifying scene captured on social media.
Voepass, the airline operating the flight, confirmed the grim news, revealing that there were 57 passengers and four crew members on board. The flight, which originated from Cascavel in Parana state and was bound for Guarulhos in São Paulo state, experienced a sudden and drastic drop in altitude before crashing.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash, with initial reports indicating that the crew did not communicate any emergency prior to the incident. The recovery efforts at the crash site have been challenging, with 21 bodies retrieved so far, and only two individuals identified.
The Brazilian President declared three days of mourning for the victims, as the nation grapples with the tragic event. Families of the victims have been asked to provide medical documentation to aid in the identification process.
While the investigation is ongoing, ATR, the plane's manufacturer, has pledged full cooperation with authorities. The aircraft, manufactured in 2010 and acquired by Voepass in 2022, had a history of being denied operation for air taxi, though the reasons remain unclear.
Flight experts have noted previous incidents involving ATR turboprops, underscoring the need for a thorough investigation into the crash. Despite the somber outcome, there were individuals who narrowly missed the ill-fated flight, expressing gratitude for their fortuitous circumstances.
As the nation mourns the loss of those aboard flight 2283, the investigation into this tragic event continues to unfold, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the devastating crash.