Families of the victims from the recent plane crash in Brazil are facing unimaginable heartbreak as they gather in São Paulo for the grim task of identifying their loved ones. The crash, which tragically claimed the lives of all 62 individuals on board, occurred on Friday when the ATR 72 twin-engine turboprop operated by Voepass was headed for Guarulhos International Airport.
Local authorities confirmed the recovery of all remains by Saturday evening, just over 33 hours after the aircraft went down near Vinhedo, approximately 78 kilometers (49 miles) from São Paulo’s city center. The Brazilian government reported 34 males and 28 females among the deceased, including the pilot, Danilo Santos Romano, and co-pilot, Humberto de Campos Alencar e Silva, whose identities were confirmed first.
Around the crash site, witnesses described harrowing scenes as the plane was seen spiraling vertically before impacting the ground, leading to destruction and fire engulfing the fuselage. Fortunately, residents of the gated community where the crash occurred reported no injuries on the ground, but the tragedy left deep scars on the families devastated by the sudden loss.
Sao Paulo's morgue began receiving the bodies on Friday, requesting medical records, X-rays, and dental histories from relatives to assist with identification processes. Blood tests were similarly employed to aid forensic experts, working tirelessly to solve the heartbreaking puzzle of identity among the wreckage.
Fellow passengers included eight physicians and four university professors, highlighting the diverse range of lives impacted by this disaster. Among the victims was three-year-old Liz Ibba dos Santos, who was traveling with her father. Also tragic was the presence of Luna, a family pet dog, who was discovered among the wreckage.
At this time, the investigation is shifting gears as Brazil’s Federal Police have launched their own probe, tasked with examining the circumstances leading to the fatal incident. The Brazilian Air Force is also conducting its investigation, sending both black boxes from the ATR 72 to Brasília for analysis. Initial reports suggest severe icing conditions were present around the time of the crash, contributing to the terrible outcome.
Meteorological data from Metsul, one of Brazil’s esteemed weather agencies, confirmed reports of severe icing, drawing comparisons to other ATR 72 incidents where ice buildup has led to catastrophic crashes. This entire scenario draws parallels to the tragic 1994 American Eagle ATR 72 crash, which also involved ice buildup and resulted in all 68 fatalities on board.
Despite forecasts indicating icing levels were within acceptable limits for the ATR 72, Brazilian aviation expert Lito Sousa warned against assuming the weather was solely to blame. “Analyzing air crashes just with images can lead to incorrect conclusions about the causes,” he stated. “What we see is definitive loss of support and speed, thrusting the plane uncontrollably.”
The airline has faced questioning over its operational protocols, particularly how the pilots did not declare any emergency or mention adverse conditions during the flight. This lack of communication raised eyebrows, with observers noting it as unusual, especially since they failed to contact ground control before the accident.
“We have our families. This tragedy doesn't hit only those who perished,” expressed one of the unnamed pilots from Voepass via social media, underscoring how the whole aviation community feels the weight of the loss. Their message for respect and prayers echoed on various platforms, seeking solace for all those impacted.
Speculation about the possible causes of the accident continues to circulate amid the emotional turmoil faced by the families and the broader Brazilian aviation community. Brazilian Ports and Airports Minister Silvio Costa Filho confirmed, “We will investigate so this incident is completely explained for the Brazilian people.”
Meanwhile, as search and recovery efforts concluded with the retrieval of the final remains, families congregated at hotels, grappling with their grief. Tânia Azevedo, mourning the loss of her son Tiago, poignantly described her emotional state online, expressing, “I believe Tiago is somewhere trying to help the other people wounded who also need light and love.”
The presence of loved ones and community members provides some measure of comfort during these sorrowful times, as the nation collectively mourns the loss of these 62 lives. Images of the tragedy, the wreckage, and the faces of grieving families serve as stark reminders of the human stories behind the statistics.
Australia’s National Transport Safety Board (NTSB), engaged due to the international aspect of the investigation, will work alongside Brazilian authorities to deliver findings to the public within the expected 30 days. Aviation experts and investigators remain vigilant, hoping to disentangle the intertwining factors of pilot error, severe weather, and mechanical integrity to provide clarity about what went horribly wrong.
For now, all eyes are on the investigation and the families, waiting for closure, as they navigate through this unspeakable tragedy. Media coverage will continue to report updates as officials release more pertinent details on their findings.
