On Friday, an ATR 72-500 crashed in Vinhedo, Sao Paulo state, Brazil. The crash cost the life of 61 people on board, including four crew members and 57 passengers. The aircraft was enroute from Cascavel, in southern Parana state to Guarulhos International Airport in Sao Paulo.  

Videos show the horrifying moment when an 89-foot-long plane, slowly rotated in circles before crashing onto the ground. The plane crashed near a gated community. Shortly after, a massive black cloud of smoke erupted, causing panic and tensions in the nearby areas.   

Another video reveals a burning house, a swimming pool filled with debris, and a group of men surveying the devastating scene. The yard is spread with wreckage, including a torn fuselage (aircraft body), twisted metal and a body lying in front of the cockpit.  

Official’s Statements

The airline and the Brazilian government stated that the cause of the crash is unknown. The airline reported that the ATR 72 did not receive any emergency signals from the pilots during takeoff. All the systems were functioning properly.  

Officials confirmed that no one on the ground was hurt and did not impact any residences.  

According to Vinhedo’s mayor, Dario Pacheco, “The plane fell next to a house, on an empty lot. As per the resident, he heard a loud noise and ran away, along with other people in the area, fearing an explosion.”

Vinhedo is located about 50 miles (or 80 kilometers) northwest of Sao Paulo, with a population of about 76,000. The local government of Valinhos (state of Sao Paulo) was involved in the rescue mission and stated, “There were no survivors.” 

State Governor of Sao Paulo, Tarcisio de Freitas told reporters at the scene that recovery operations to identify the victims’ remains have started and will go through the night.  

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has declared a three-day period of mourning.