A tragic plane crash occurred in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Friday, resulting in the deaths of all 57 passengers and four crew members on board. The aircraft, an ATR 72-500 operated by Voepass airline, was en route from Cascavel in Parana to Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport when it crashed in the city of Vinhedo.

Initially, Voepass reported that 58 passengers were on board, but later revised the number to 57. The crash site, located in a residential area of Vinhedo, saw emergency services, including firefighters and military police, rush to the scene. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties on the ground, and the fire caused by the crash was quickly contained.

Eyewitnesses interviewed by CNN described the terrifying moment the plane spiraled downward before the crash, with one local resident recounting the “terrifying” impact and the resulting smoke that filled the area. The Sao Paulo State Governor confirmed that recovery operations were ongoing and that the victims’ remains were being identified.

Brazilian authorities, along with experts from ATR and Airbus, have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva declared three days of mourning in honor of the victims.

This incident adds to the concerning statistics of aviation accidents in Brazil, where over 100 accidents have already occurred this year. The aviation community and the nation mourn the loss of those on board as investigations continue.