A devastating plane crash has shaken a coastal community in southern Brazil, leaving four people dead and residents in shock.
The incident occurred on Friday, April 3, when a small aircraft crashed into a restaurant in the residential area of Capão da Canoa, located in Rio Grande do Sul. Authorities confirmed that all four people on board were killed.
Plane Crash Kills Four After Aircraft Slams Into Restaurant
According to reports, a Piper Malibu aircraft went down at around 10:30 a.m., crashing into the Dom Inácio restaurant.
Witnesses say the plane narrowly avoided pedestrians and cyclists before erupting into a fireball upon impact.
Brazilian outlet G1 reported that the four occupants died instantly.
They have been identified as businesspeople Déborah Belanda Ortolani and Luis Antonio Ortolani. Along with pilots Nelio Maria Batista Pessanha and Renan Eduardo Saes.
"The single-engine plane departed from Itápolis, in São Paulo, made a stop to refuel at the Forquilhinha airport, in Santa Catarina, and continued to Capão da Canoa to pick up the two businessmen," the outlet wrote in Portuguese.
"After the passengers boarded, it took off back to the interior of São Paulo state."
Investigation Underway as Officials Respond to Tragedy
Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft struck a pole near the end of the runway shortly after takeoff, which may have triggered the crash.
Fortunately, the restaurant remained closed at the time, preventing further casualties.
Terra Brasil reported that witnesses saw the aircraft flying at low altitude before it began losing height and crashed into the establishment.
Emergency responders moved quickly, with the Civil Defense of Rio Grande do Sul confirming they arrived "immediately" at the scene. Nearby homes were evacuated as authorities secured the area.
Fire crews followed, supported by the military police, who assisted in removing civilians and aiding firefighting efforts.
"I would like to express my solidarity with the families of the victims and the community of Capão da Canoa in the face of this sad event," state governor Eduardo Leite said in a statement.
Reports identified the aircraft as a Piper JetPROP DLX, a single-engine, six-seater model manufactured in 1999. Those same reports indicate that Jetspeed Holding Ltda owns the plane.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
