President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed solidarity with the victims of plane crash that happened in Vinhedo (SP), in the interior of São Paulo, on the afternoon of this Friday (9). When starting his speech at an event in Itajaí (SC), Lula asked for a minute of silence.
“I have to bear some very bad news and I would like everyone to stand up so we can observe a minute of silence, because a plane has just crashed in the city of Vinhedo, in São Paulo, with 58 passengers and four crew members, and it appears that everyone died. So, I would like to ask for a minute of silence for the victims,” said the president.
Other authorities
Vice President Geraldo Alckmin posted a message on his social media lamenting the tragedy. “I convey my condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the plane crash in Vinhedo. May God comfort their hearts in this moment of pain,” said Alckmin.
The Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, also expressed his regret over the accident and expressed his solidarity with the victims and their families. According to him, actions are being taken to determine the causes.
“The Federal Government, together with the Government of the State of São Paulo, is monitoring all actions to address this tragic situation. Anac and Cenipa [Centro de Investigação e Prevenção de Acidentes Aeronáuticos] “They are taking steps to provide assistance at the airports and gathering information relevant to the case. I am currently leaving Itajaí, Santa Catarina, and heading to the state of São Paulo to monitor all operations,” he said.
The President of the Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco (PSD-MG), called for an investigation into the cause of the accidents. “With great regret, I express my solidarity with the families and friends of the passengers and crew of the aircraft that crashed this Friday in Vinhedo, in the state of São Paulo. May the causes of the accident be identified quickly, and may the families receive all the necessary information at this difficult time for everyone.”
The governor of São Paulo, Tarcísio Gomes de Freitas, reported that teams from the state’s Fire Department, Military Police and Civil Defense are already at the scene of the crash. The Superintendence of Technical and Scientific Police and the Civil Police are also mobilized to rescue the victims, and teams from the Forensic Medical Institute have been sent to the scene for reinforcement. “The government of São Paulo will provide all support and release all necessary information. My solidarity goes out to all the victims and those affected by this tragedy,” the governor said.
Accident
The accident occurred at around 1:30 p.m. A turboprop aircraft, of the French brand ATR, owned by Voepass, crashed in Vinhedo, in the interior of São Paulo, coming from Cascavel, in Paraná. The aircraft was heading to Guarulhos (SP). The company reported, in a statement, that flight 2283 was carrying 58 passengers and 4 crew members.
Voepass Linhas Aéreas reported that it has activated all means to support those involved. There is still no confirmation of how the accident occurred or the current situation of those on board. The company is providing information to all its passengers, family members and employees by calling 0800 9419712, available 24 hours a day.
*Text updated at 4:22 p.m.
