According to the latest information from Brazilian media, authorities in this country are concerned that it is likely that all 61 passengers and crew members on the plane that crashed on August 9 were killed.
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| Authorities arrive at the scene of a plane crash in Vinhedo, Brazil, August 9. (Source: Reuters) |
The plane, an ATR-72 operated by Brazilian airline Voepass Linhas Areas, crashed in Vinhedo at 1:30 p.m. local time while flying from Cascavel, Parana state, to Guarulhos, Sao Paulo. The crash site was 80 kilometers northwest of Sao Paulo.
Video shared on social media shows the plane seemingly crashing into a wooded area, followed by a large plume of black smoke.
According to preliminary information, no emergency signal was detected before the plane crashed. Rescue forces were quickly dispatched to the scene of the accident and Brazilian authorities have opened an investigation to find out the cause of this tragedy.
Speaking at an event shortly afterwards, Brazilian President Lula da Silva announced the crash and said it appeared that all passengers and four crew members on board the plane had died. He called for a minute of silence for the victims.