Eyewitnesses could only look on in horror as a small private plane crash landed on the streets of Sao Paulo, before exploding into flames. Emergency response teams were too late to save the sole occupant trapped inside.
The tragic incident took place just outside of the Campo de Marte Airport in the north of the Brazilian city late Wednesday afternoon. The plane exploded shortly after crashing, preventing passersby from even attempting any rescue. Eyewitness video of the flaming wreckage was shared online.
AVIÃO DE PEQUENO PORTE CAI NA ZONA NORTE DE SP – Um avião de pequeno porte caiu no começo da noite desta quarta-feira (8), na Av Braz Leme, próximo ao Aeroporto #CampodeMarte, na zona norte de #SãoPaulo. Informações do Corpo de Bombeiros, o piloto é a única vitima fatal. pic.twitter.com/ZMKseL5xry
Caiu mais um avião aqui na Av. Braz Leme, esse Campo de Marte tá um perigo pic.twitter.com/24kdCYMP4u
Local firefighters did not arrive in time and confirmed that the pilot died in the accident. Their charred remains were removed from the scene for examination.
“I was driving on Braz Leme, I was about 50 meters from the plane when I heard an explosion and then I saw a ball on fire. When I got closer it exploded a little more,” eyewitness Fausto Batista told G1 Globo.
Um cara tava passando pela Av Braz Leme e nem sabia se era um avião ou um automóvel que estava pegando fogo. pic.twitter.com/haJXJRpm40
“I managed to see a body, but there was no way to get close. It was still on fire and it was very hot nearby.”
The twin-engine model BE-58, prefix PR-OFI, had reportedly flown in from the eastern city of Ubatuba.
According to the local fire department, the pilot attempted an emergency landing due to suspected engine failure which would later prove catastrophic.
Seven fire engines were dispatched to the site and the fire was extinguished at roughly 6:40pm local time.
The Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA) has confirmed that multiple investigations are now underway to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.
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