A tragic plane crash occurred on Sunday, December 22, 2024, over Gramado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, claiming the lives of ten people and leaving 17 others injured. The Piper Cheyenne 400 aircraft took off from Canela with its passengers bound for Jundiaí, São Paulo. According to Eduardo Leite, the Governor of Rio Grande do Sul, there were no survivors among the ten occupants, all of whom were members of the same family.
The crash unfolded on Avenida das Hortênsias, one of the central thoroughfares of Gramado. The small plane crashed onto multiple buildings, including shops and residential properties, which caused both significant damage and sparked fires, prompting immediate emergency responses from local authorities. Images circulating online depicted destruction throughout the area post-accident, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Governor Leite noted, "Não há sobreviventes na queda da aeronave," confirming the unfortunate outcome for those aboard the plane, which included ten members of the family of businessman Luiz Cláudio Salgueiro Galeazzi. This tragic occurrence coincided with the holiday season, heightening the sorrow for the local community, as Gramado is typically crowded with tourists during the Christmas festivities.
The casualties included Galeazzi himself, along with his wife, their three children, his sister, brother-in-law, mother-in-law, and two grandchildren. The authorities confirmed the need for quick action due to the accident's impact, which resulted not only in fatalities but also injuries to individuals on the ground, with some suffering serious burn injuries. Five of the injured have already been released from the hospital, whereas twelve remain hospitalized, two of whom are reportedly receiving treatment for severe burns.
The firefighting efforts faced difficulties with the aircraft flames, which reached nearby structures. Local firefighters and emergency responders rapidly mobilized to manage the blaze and assist the wounded, as stated by authorities on-site.
Videos posted on social media show unsettling scenes of chaos and destruction at the crash site. The accident has drawn significant media attention, and official statements urge calm and cooperation from the public as investigations continue.
The deteriorated weather conditions at the time of the crash may have contributed to the disaster, with reports indicating heavy rain and fog over the area. While specifics of the investigation are still pending, the Brazilian authorities are committed to thoroughly examining the circumstances surrounding this heart-wrenching event.
Local government officials have offered their full support to the families affected, facilitating early investigations and coordinating with emergency services for community assistance. Vitória Miranda, a city official from Canela, expressed condolences through social media, stating, "Lamentamos profundamente o acidente envolvendo a aeronave turbo-hélice," reiteratively addressing the community's mourning following the tragedy.
The local police investigations are focused on gathering more information and supporting victims' families, emphasizing the loss felt by the community.
Officials closed nearby roads to aid recovery efforts and protect public safety. The RS-235 has experienced blockages due to the accident. Authorities caution against unauthorized individuals accessing the crash site, ensuring emergency crews can work without disruption.
Emergency responders continue their tireless work to stabilize the area and recover from the aftermath of this devastating accident, awaiting thorough investigations by the specialized incident handling teams.
This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with aviation and emphasizes the need for utmost diligence in air travel safety procedures. The investigation efforts led by the Civil Police and aviation authorities are already underway, seeking to obtain definitive answers about the factors leading to this tragic outcome, focusing on any underlying procedural or safety failures.
Within this somber narrative, the strength of community support shines through, as residents rally to assist perceived victims and their families during these tough times. The focus now rests on healing and support for those left behind by this incident.
