The plane crashed in the Capela district of Vinhedo city with approximately 56,000 inhabitants on Friday afternoon. It was on its way to São Paulo city from Cascavel. The plane was an ATR 72 type, a twin-engine turboprop aircraft often used for shorter distances.
The airline Voepass initially stated that there were 62 people on board. The number was later revised to a total of 61, including four crew members.
All were confirmed dead by local authorities.
Heavy smoke cloud
The plane is believed to have gone into a spin before crashing, and heavy fire and smoke clouds can be seen from the crash site. Recordings on Globo News showed how it burned in a garden at the crash site.
Despite the plane crashing in a residential area, no one on the ground was killed or injured, the military police confirmed. Only one house was damaged in the crash.
The reason for the plane's sudden crash has not yet been clarified, according to both the airline and rescue authorities. The plane's black box has been found.
Major operation
Seven teams were immediately sent to the crash site, according to the rescue service. Military police and civil defense were involved in the operation, as they feared the plane crash could have severe consequences on the ground.
Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was informed of the accident while attending an event in southern Brazil, and then asked the audience to honor the victims of the plane crash with a minute of silence.
