A tragic incident occurred in Brazil on August 9, 2024, as a passenger plane carrying 62 people crashed near São Paulo. The regional airline Voepass confirmed that all passengers, including 57 passengers and four crew members, lost their lives in the crash. The flight was en route from Cascavel to Guarulhos when it plummeted 17,000 feet in just one minute before crashing.
The dramatic footage of the crash circulated on social media, showing the plane spiraling out of the sky and crashing into the ground, leaving its fuselage in flames. The cause of the crash remains unknown, and authorities are investigating the incident. The Brazilian President declared three days of mourning for the victims, and families have been asked to provide medical documentation to help identify the bodies retrieved from the crash site.
Voepass CEO Eduardo Busch stated that the crew was competent, and the airline is cooperating with investigators to understand what led to the tragic event. The plane had two black boxes that were recovered in working order, and experts are analyzing the flight data to determine the sequence of events that led to the crash.
The Brazilian aviation authority, CENIPA, reported that there were no prior emergency communications from the aircraft before the crash. The aircraft, an ATR 72-500 manufactured in 2010, had been purchased by Voepass in 2022 and was not approved for air taxi operations, although the reason for this restriction remains unclear.
ATR, the plane’s manufacturer, expressed condolences for the victims and is providing support to the investigative authorities. Flight experts highlighted the history of incidents involving ATR turboprops worldwide, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the crash.
Despite the tragic loss of life, there were survivors who missed the flight due to confusion at the airport. Ten passengers who were waiting at the wrong gate were unable to board the plane, ultimately sparing them from the devastating crash. The survivors expressed gratitude for missing the flight and credited divine intervention for their safety.
As the investigation into the crash continues, authorities are working to identify the victims and provide support to their families. The community in Vinhedo is in mourning, and the city is awaiting the Brazil Air Force team to start the investigation. The aftermath of the crash has left a profound impact on the residents, first responders, and aviation experts, highlighting the importance of safety measures in air travel to prevent such tragedies in the future.