Tragedy in Vinhedo: Brazilian Plane Crash Kills 62

An aircraft crash near Sao Paulo results in 62 fatalities. Emergency crews have recovered 31 bodies so far. Authorities identified the remains of the pilots, and the airline confirmed the addition of an unaccounted-for passenger, bringing the total to 62 victims. Investigations are ongoing.

Brazilian emergency crews on Saturday began recovering the remains of victims from a tragic plane crash in Vinhedo, near Sao Paulo, which claimed all 62 lives on board. By 1 p.m. (1600 GMT), 31 bodies had been retrieved, according to the Sao Paulo state government. The pilot and co-pilot were among those identified, stated Dario Pacheco, mayor of Vinhedo.

All bodies are being transported to Sao Paulo's police morgue. Among the victims were four dual citizens: three Venezuelans and one Portuguese woman, as noted by Voepass, the airline operating the aircraft.

Initially, Voepass reported the aircraft had 57 passengers and four crew members, but a further unaccounted-for passenger emerged on Saturday, raising the casualty count to 62. Identification efforts continue using seat assignments, physical characteristics, documents, and belongings, stated firefighter Maycon Cristo at the crash site.

DNA samples from relatives are aiding in identifying the remains, as indicated by state civil defense coordinator Henguel Pereira. The plane's 'black box,' containing essential voice recordings and flight data, is under analysis, confirmed Marcelo Moreno, head of the aviation accident investigation center Cenipa.

The ATR-72 turboprop, bound for Sao Paulo from Cascavel, crashed at 1:30 p.m. (1630 GMT) in Vinhedo. Although the crash occurred in a residential area, no ground injuries were reported. The aircraft was operating normally until radar contact was lost at 1:22 p.m., with no emergency or adverse weather reported, Brazil's air force stated.

Franco-Italian ATR, the regional turboprop plane manufacturer, jointly owned by Airbus and Leonardo, assured full cooperation with the investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)