A small plane crash tragically claimed the lives of multiple individuals this Sunday morning, December 22, 2024, in Gramado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The incident occurred around 9:15 AM on the main thoroughfare, Avenue das Hortênsias, as the aircraft, identified by its registration PR-NDN, was making its approach from Canela and bound for Jundiaí, São Paulo.
According to Eduardo Leite, the Governor of Rio Grande do Sul, "Infelizmente, as informações iniciais dão conta de que os ocupantes da aeronave não sobreviveram," indicating the gravity of the situation as rescue efforts unfolded. Eyewitness reports describe the plane hitting the chimney of a building, before colliding with the second floor of another house, and finally crashing onto a furniture store below. The debris also struck nearby lodgings, causing injuries reckoned at around 15 individuals from smoke inhalation.
The circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation, though early indications suggest poor meteorological conditions at the time, which included heavy fog and rain. Local authorities, including the Brigada Militar and the Civil Police, rapidly mobilized to the scene to control the area and assist those affected. Mayor Nestor Tissot, emphasizing the readiness of local response teams, stated, "Estamos preparados e a postos para qualquer situação," reflecting the preparedness for such emergencies.
The airborne vessel, categorized as a Piper Cheyenne, had ten individuals on board, though specific identities have yet to be confirmed. The plane was owned by Luiz Claudio Salgueiro Galeazzi, well-known as both the aircraft's owner and operator. His family ties trace back to Claudio Galeazzi, who was previously involved with the Pão de Açúcar Group.
Rescuers found themselves overwhelmed by the scene upon arrival, described as chaotic. Paulo Benedito Kull, whose hotel was among those affected, recalled the sheer terror he experienced when the crash reverberated, stating, "Foi muito forte, o vácuo quebrou vidros do hotel. O cheiro de combustível queimado é muito forte." Such accounts capture the intense fear experienced among local business owners and residents during the crush of events.
Emergency crews dealt with the flames spurred by the incident, working tirelessly to contain the fire and prepare for the evacuation of potential survivors. Reports indicate at least two injuries from the fire were deemed serious, necessitating immediate hospitalization, with others treated for smoke inhalation and trauma related to the crash.
Issued by the Secretary of Public Security of Rio Grande do Sul, official communications confirmed at least nine fatalities among those on board the aircraft; information which has reverberated through the community, now grieving the loss of lives methods. Local sentiment was already fragile, as Gramado, famed for its tourism, is recovering from earlier flooding incidents during the year.
The entire crash area has been secured by security forces, who are managing onlookers and gathering additional details from the aftermath. Efforts from the Centro de Investigação e Prevenção de Acidentes Aeronáuticos (CENIPA) are already underway as they seek to determine the crash’s origins and contribute resources to manage the fallout.
The local economy, already strained by earlier weather events, faces new uncertainties as they were banking on the holiday season for recovery. Many hotels reported full occupancies as families arrived to celebrate "Natal Luz," the famed Christmas event drawing thousands to Gramado during this peak season. The timing of this disaster elicits fears of declining tourism just as businesses began to rebound from past difficulties.
Authorities continue to advise the local community to remain vigilant, recommending alternative routes to avoid disruptions along RS-235, currently shut down to facilitate investigation and aid operations. The community must now unite to heal from this tragedy and support the victims’ families amid the emotional and economic turmoil this crash has initiated.
Ongoing investigations will not only seek to unravel the technical specifics behind the crash but also assess how local governance can bolster safety measures related to aviation and public safety to prevent such tragedies from afflicting the community again.
