The president has announced three days of mourning for the victims of a tragic incident.
Voepass officials reported that they spent the afternoon arranging accommodations and psychological support for the victims’ families. They are providing ongoing assistance to those affected.
A resident near São Paulo captured video footage of the aftermath when a plane crashed into a neighboring house. She told CNN’s Julia Vargas Jones that she was having lunch in her kitchen when she saw the aircraft descending. Overcome with fear, she ducked and began praying, describing the experience as a “moment of panic” for the entire city. Private roads leading to the affected properties are now closed to everyone, including residents, while first responders remain on site.
Vinhedo City Hall announced on Friday that it is awaiting the Brazil Air Force team to investigate the cause of the crash.
Brigadier Marcelo Moreno, head of Brazil’s aviation accident agency CENIPA, reported at a press conference that the aircraft’s crew had not issued any emergency alerts before the crash. “Preliminarily, we have no information that the aircraft was in any type of emergency situation,” he said.
Voepass CEO Busch stated that the airline will cooperate fully with CENIPA in the investigation.
According to the Brazilian Aeronautical Registry, the Voepass plane, manufactured in 2010, was purchased by the airline in September 2022. The aircraft was listed as “denied operation for air taxi,” but the reasons and timing for this decision remain unclear.
ATR, the plane’s manufacturer, confirmed it was aware of the accident and is assisting with the investigation. “ATR has been informed of the accident involving an ATR 72-500 in Vinhedo, Brazil. Our thoughts are with all those affected, and our specialists are fully engaged in supporting the investigation and our customer,” the company said.
Some passengers missed the ill-fated flight on Friday. A man who missed the flight shared with Brazilian news outlet Globo that at least ten people were waiting at the wrong gate and were unable to board before the plane took off. “They told me I couldn’t board because we were past the boarding limit. I tried to persuade them, but they said they could only rebook my ticket,” he recounted. Upon discovering they were at the wrong gate, the passengers pleaded with airport staff to allow them to board but were denied. “My legs are shaking; only God knows how I’m feeling,” he said, relieved after learning about the crash. “Thank God, we didn’t get on that plane.”