New footage has surfaced of the tragic airplane crash in Brazil that claimed the lives of 62 people on Friday afternoon. The ATR 72-500 twin-engine turboprop aircraft, operated by Voepass airline, crashed on the outskirts of São Paulo.
The flight had departed from Cascavel in the Brazilian state of Paraná, headed for Guarulhos Airport in São Paulo. However, at 1:22 p.m. local time (12:22 p.m. ET), communication with the aircraft was lost. According to data from Flightradar24, the plane rapidly descended more than 5,181 meters in just one minute before crashing in a residential area of Vinhedo, near São Paulo.
The crash footage, which quickly spread across social media, shows the plane spiraling down as horrified neighbors watched helplessly. Subsequent images reveal the fuselage engulfed in flames, painting a scene of utter devastation.
Residents in the crash area described scenes of terror. One witness, who was having lunch in her kitchen, recorded the moment the aircraft crashed into her neighbor's house. Roads leading to the affected area have been closed off, and emergency teams are still working at the site.
Initial Confusion and Confirmation of Victims
Initially, Voepass airline struggled to confirm the exact number of victims, revising the figure multiple times. Finally, on Saturday morning, it was officially reported that all 62 people on board had perished in the crash.
Among the victims was one individual not listed on the passenger manifest due to a "technical issue" related to check-in procedures, as explained by the airline in a statement.
Ongoing Investigation
The cause of the accident remains unknown. The aircraft's two black boxes are expected to provide crucial information about the tragedy. Eduardo Busch, CEO of Voepass, stated in a press conference that the flight crew was adequately qualified and that no emergency had been reported before the crash.
"The entire crew was competent," Busch affirmed, adding that they are awaiting access to communications between the pilot and control tower to gain a fuller understanding of the incident. The company has also pledged to fully cooperate with authorities during the investigation.
On his part, Brigadier Marcelo Moreno, who heads Brazil's air accident investigation agency CENIPA, mentioned that no emergency was communicated from the aircraft before the crash.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed profound sorrow for the tragedy, asking for a moment of silence in honor of the victims and declaring three days of national mourning.
Voepass has deployed support teams to assist the victims' families, offering accommodation and psychological support. Teams of medical professionals are working at the crash site to identify the victims. Due to the severe burns suffered by many, visual identification has been impossible, and families have been asked to provide medical documentation such as x-rays and dental records to aid in the process.
A Twist of Fate: Passengers Saved by Boarding Error
In a near-miraculous turn of events, some individuals who were supposed to board the ill-fated flight were saved due to a boarding gate mix-up. At least 10 people waited at the wrong gate and missed the flight. One passenger told Globo network that he argued with airport staff, pleading to be allowed to board, but was refused.
"They told me, 'Sir, you are not getting on this plane because we have already closed the boarding gate... Thank God, we didn't get on that plane,'" the man recounted, visibly shaken after learning about the crash.
Details Surrounding the São Paulo Airplane Crash
In light of the recent airplane crash in Brazil, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide more clarity on the incident.
What caused the airplane crash in São Paulo?
The cause of the crash is currently unknown. The investigation is ongoing, and the aircraft's black boxes are expected to provide crucial information.
How many people were on board the crashed Voepass flight?
There were 62 people on board the Voepass flight, all of whom perished in the crash.
Were any emergencies reported before the crash?
No, there were no emergencies reported from the aircraft before the crash.
What support is Voepass providing to the victims' families?
Voepass is offering accommodation and psychological support to the families of the victims.